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3 indicted in the 2018 death of an impaired elderly man

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Posted at 4:27 PM, Feb 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-13 17:41:17-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Police officials say there people are responsible for the death of their relative 78-year-old Willie Harper, who died from complications of a stage 4 bed sore.

Harper's daughter, Shakela Bigsby, 41, his brother, Alford Bailey, 71, and his niece, Annise Bailey, 46, were indicted on charges of reckless homicide and felony abuse of an impaired adult for not properly caring for Harper. He lived with his brother and niece.

Harper was admitted to Centennial Medical Center on July 12, 2018, suffering from a stage 4 bed sore. He died from complications of the chronic ulcer on July 27, 2018. The Medical Examiner, after an autopsy, ruled Harper’s death a homicide.

Metro Police and Tennessee Adult Protective Services conducted an investigation that showed that lack of care by Harper's family members led to his dire medical condition.

Bigsby was arrested Thursday by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. Harper’s brother, Bailey, was arrested Wednesday night by North Precinct officers.

A Criminal Court judge set bond for each of three at $100,000. They will be arraigned in the near future.