In the Courts: Staff Member Kills Resident by Smothering Her; $1.5M Settlement

​A civil action brought against a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) arising from the murder of a resident by a staff member has been settled, according to reports. Although the terms of the settlement were confidential, court records reportedly show that the case was settled for $1.5 million.

A representative of the CCRC has stated that the staff member had undergone a criminal background check but that no concerns were identified. The 82-year-old resident had been living at the CCRC for 13 years and had recently moved into one of the CCRC's assisted-living units. The staff member stole a total of $1,200 in checks from the resident. After finding checks made out to the staff member, the resident notified the CCRC. No immediate changes were made to the staff member's work hours or access to the campus. Another employee, a chef, told the...