Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the arrest of Eddie James Williams (DOB: 11/28/53) for Abuse or Neglect resulting in Death of a Vulnerable Adult.  

Just after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to 24 Lincoln Park Point, Eastover, SC to investigate a case of neglect.

When deputies arrived the victim had severe abrasions to her upper and lower body and appeared to suffer from dementia. Deputies contacted the Department of Social Services who placed her into Emergency Protective Custody and transported her to Richland Memorial Hospital. Hospital officials indicated the victim’s injuries could have been prevented with proper care.

Sheriff Lott stated the victim died as a result of her injuries on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 4:00 AM. The Sheriff added after a thorough investigation by Richland County Investigators, it was determined that Williams as the primary caregiver was found to be negligent in the care of the victim; subsequently Williams was charged and arrested at his attorney’s office at 2:20 PM on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. 

Sheriff Lott states that no vulnerable person should be cared for in such a way that Williams did in this incident. If you suspect abuse or mistreatment of someone who may be vulnerable please call and report it to the County Sheriff’s Department. Williams has been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.