A Texas woman, Regla “Su” Becquer, is facing a murder charge after the death of a resident at her unlicensed assisted living facility.
However, authorities suspect she may be connected to as many as 20 deaths that occurred under her care.
Becquer, 49, operated “Love & Caring for People LLC,” which ran several unlicensed group homes in Arlington and Mansfield.
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She was initially charged with endangerment earlier this year, but the investigation has since expanded significantly.
“After everything we’ve learned, I think it’s clear to say she did not love or care for anyone,” said Lt. Kimberly Harris of Arlington police to CBS News.
Police allege Becquer withheld medical attention from residents and prevented them from contacting family members. An autopsy revealed the cause of death for one resident, Steven Kelly Pankratz, to be mixed drug toxicity. Authorities believe Becquer administered medication Pankratz was not prescribed.
“We were deeply concerned about what we saw in these homes and what we had heard up until that point. Today, I am here to tell you that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Harris.
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The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing the deaths of at least 20 individuals who resided in Becquer’s facilities since September 2022. The cause of death for many remains undetermined due to cremations or donations to science.
Police are urging anyone with information about Becquer’s facilities or the residents to contact the Arlington Police Department. Becquer remains in custody on a $1.5 million bond.
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