A 92-year-old woman suffering from dementia endured a series of brutal attacks and neglect from her caregiver in North Union Township.
According to an affidavit filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, the woman's caregiver, 71-year-old Eileen Haines, of Zion Grove, North Union Township, was arrested on December 17, 2024, following an investigation that revealed graphic evidence of abuse captured on a home security system.
Initial Discovery of Abuse
The investigation began on December 3, 2024, when Trooper Bradley Tymchyshyn of the Frackville Criminal Investigation Unit was dispatched to a residence on Cherry Lane after receiving a report of elder neglect. The complainant, the granddaughter and power of attorney for the victim, reported concerns after reviewing security footage.
The videos, obtained from cameras installed in the home, revealed Haines, the victim' daughter, engaging in repeated physical and verbal abuse, including slapping, kicking, and striking the elderly woman. The footage also captured Haines making threats, restraining Stefancavage with tape, and forcing her to sit outside in freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Disturbing Details of Abuse
According to the affidavit, on December 1, 2024, Haines:
- Threatened the victim by saying, “You want to die. I can make you die… I could poison your food and have you dead in five minutes.”
- Slapped her multiple times and exposed herself to the victim and threatened to urinate on her. She also pulled her pants down and bent over exposing herself to the victim.
- Taped the victim's legs together and left her sitting on the porch in 19-degree weather without adequate clothing.
- Attempted to force a rag into the victim's mouth, applied pressure to her throat, and threatened, “I’ll slit your throat.”
- Continuously berated the victim, accusing her of causing her own injuries and threatening further violence.
The footage also showed incidents of neglect, with Haines ignoring the victim's hygiene needs and refusing to provide assistance, despite the victim’s evident distress.
Medical Evaluation
On December 2, 2024, the victim was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Hazleton, where medical personnel documented abrasions, bruises, and other injuries consistent with physical abuse.
Based on the evidence, Haines was charged with a litany of offenses, including:
- Felony Aggravated Assault (1 count)
- Felony Strangulation (1 count)
- Abuse of a Care-Dependent Person (36 counts)
- Terroristic Threats (3 counts)
- Simple Assault (14 counts)
- Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person (2 counts)
- Unlawful Restraint (2 counts)
- Indecent Exposure (1 count)
- False Imprisonment (2 counts)
- Harassment (11 counts)
Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli set Haines’ bail at $100,000 straight cash, which she was unable to post. She remains in custody at Schuylkill County Prison.