SOUTH WINDSOR — Police have charged a South Windsor man with manslaughter after they say his 94-year-old father died in his care.
The charges stem from a death investigation back in November 2016 on Scantic Meadow Road. Relatives had asked officers to check on the welfare of their grandfather, Robert Libby, 94, who lived with James Libby, Robert’s son and sole-caregiver. Police say the relatives were concerned after James posted on Facebook that he was contemplating suicide and Robert was dead.
Investigators obtained a search warrant to search the home with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad. They noted that Robert appeared to be emaciated at the time of his death and had received minimum care. They concluded he had been dead for several days.
An investigation found that Robert, a veteran, was dependent on James Libby for 24-hour care and was essentially bedridden.
According to the arrest warrant, James admitted he had an argument with Robert, then left him alone in his bed for 3 days without providing any food or water, or changing him. James said when he discovered Robert dead he did not check for signs of life or report the death. He covered his father’s body with a blanket until police arrived for the welfare check.
After a police investigation and a report from the medical examiner, police obtained an arrest warrant for James.
James was arrested and charged with first degree manslaughter, abuse, and cruelty to persons. He was held on $750,000 surety bond and was seen in Manchester Superior Court on Tuesday, April 11.
