October 21, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
A Clinton man is wanted after being charged with abuse by a caretaker – a felony, after allegedly neglecting his adult son.
As a result, the son passed away in a Montana hospital in September.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 55-year-old Richard Anson Bird was charged with the crime on October 13 after Clinton police received an investigative report from Adult Protection Services regarding the case. The affidavit stated that a Clinton detective was contacted by the case worker stating that the man died in the hospital as a result of neglect and abuse. The court document said that the man was diagnosed with heart arrhythmia, high levels of potassium, kidney failure, and bed sores. It also reported that the man was on life support before he passed away.
The report stated that between July 3 and September 7, the man was taken to several hospitals, including Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, for various injuries and illnesses, and was considered a vulnerable adult due to his inability to walk because of a hip injury.
The report stated that he was bind in one eye, had cataracts in the other, and required regular dialysis treatments. It also stated that he was confined to his bed and was unable to take care of himself.
The affidavit stated that the man was taken to AllianceHealth Clinton on August 9 with acute renal failure and multiple wounds in various stages. While there, the suspect would state that he had not given his son his insulin in a week. He would proceed to leave the man at the hospital for five days with no contact while he went to Montana. When Bird returned, he discharged his son out of the hospital against medical advisement.
The report said that the son would return to the hospital, but due to how severe his conditions were, he was transferred to GPRMC’s intensive care unit. There medical professionals discovered methamphetamines in the son’s blood and burn marks on his chest and upper arms. The affidavit stated that once again, the son was taken from the hospital against doctor’s advise, despite the fact that the son needed dialysis the next morning.
It was later discovered that the son was admitted into a Montana hospital on September 7, where he would succumb to his injuries and illnesses.
Along with the felony charge, an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Bird was also issued. Once arrested, and if convicted, Bird could face up to 10 years in prison along with a fine not exceeding $10,000.
As of press time, Bird has not been arrested.
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