Tampa Police arrested a 58-year-old man and charged him with neglect of the elderly after his mother died. He is currently being held at the Hillsborough County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Police responded to 4910 N. 38th Street on Wednesday morning in reference to a death investigation. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the home had no electricity or running water. They also said the home was infested with roaches and rates, the floor was covered with mud, and the roof was falling in.
The body of Mrs. Louise Baker Holmes, 82, was transported to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, where police are waiting an autopsy report to determine the cause of death.
Detectives interviewed her son and caregiver, James Edward Holmes, who also lived at the residence. Holmes reportedly told police his mother had been unable to walk since July 4th. He also admitted that she needed medical treatment.
According to the Hillsborough County School District, Mrs. Holmes taught school from 1955 to 1965. She was assigned to Meacham Elementary School.
A spokesperson for the school district said they don’t know if she left the workforce or relocated to another school district after 1965.
Holmes was arrested and charged with neglect of an elderly or disabled adult.
