A distressing incident of elder neglect has surfaced in Key West, as police have detained a man accused of abandoning his 79-year-old mother, leaving her severely malnourished outside a hospital.
The arrest occurred after police found the elderly woman, weighing just 80 pounds and unable to speak, reportedly left unattended in a wheelchair outside a Key West hospital. The suspect, Taylor Benjamin Shanholtz, 54, had previously contacted police at Lower Keys Medical Center regarding a wheelchair but was absent when officers returned in response to hospital staff concerns about the woman.
According to the arrest report, Shanholtz, the woman’s caregiver, failed to provide essential needs such as food and toilet paper. The mother, suffering from multiple medical conditions and non-verbal, could only communicate with her son via text message or iPad. The pair had been living in their vehicle for seven months, and during this time, police had several interactions with them. At one point, the Florida Department of Children and Families had initiated a case regarding the woman’s wellbeing.
When contacted by police outside the hospital, Shanholtz reportedly dismissed his responsibility for his mother, refusing to return for her. Subsequently, authorities issued a be-on-the-lookout alert for his vehicle, resulting in his detention by a Monroe County deputy. As of the latest reports, Shanholtz is being held on a $10,000 bond, with jail records indicating his mugshot was taken from a hospital bed.
This case has prompted the Department of Children and Families to reopen its investigation into the matter. Officials encourage anyone suspecting elder abuse or neglect to contact the DCF abuse hotline or dial 911 if the situation appears immediately dangerous.
The arrest of Taylor Benjamin Shanholtz underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting in cases of elder neglect. Authorities continue to investigate, emphasizing the critical need for intervention and support in safeguarding vulnerable seniors.
Source: Local10
