A 43-year-old Nigerian nursing assistant, Hakim Ogunkunle
is facing multiple charges in connection with the death of a 98-year-old
patient that triggered a probe by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,
US.
The GBI claims that Ogunkunle, a Certified Nursing
Assistant Ogunkunle was responsible for causing injuries that led to
the death of Edna Warren, a patient at Newnan Health and Rehab in May,
2017. It has charged him with aggravated battery, exploitation and
intimidation of an elderly person.
More charges could result from autopsy after the findings
are turned over to the local district attorney’s office, according to
Public Affairs Deputy Director Bahan Rich with the GBI.
The incident occurred on May when Newnan Health and
Rehabilitation reported to the Newnan Police Department that Warren had
sustained a broken leg following physical contact with Ogunkunle.
According to the police report, Ogunkunle had attempted to
get Warren ready for breakfast when she became combative and began
kicking him. When Ogunkunle allegedly held her legs together to keep
from getting kicked, he heard a cracking sound in her leg.
Warren was taken to Piedmont Newnan Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery but died during the procedure.
Initial reports indicated Ogunkunle lied about the manner
of which Warren sustained her injuries. After staff received conflicting
reports, Ogunkunle later admitted he was scared he would get into
trouble, according to the police report.
“After detectives received the report, we looked into it,
and, based on cases involving elder abuse, we contacted the GBI,” said
Chief Deputy Mark Cooper with the Newnan Police Department.
“We’ve continued to work side by side, with the GBI acting as the lead agency.”
The GBI’s investigation later concluded Ogunkunle
intentionally caused Warren’s injury, according to Special Agent Fred
Wimberly.
Two days later, Ogunkunle was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and exploitation and intimidation of an elderly person.
Investigators are still working to determine if there were
any other victims who may have had a similar encounter with Ogunkunle in
the past.
Ogunkunle is currently being held in the Coweta County Jail where he is awaiting his first court appearance.
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