A Grand Jury has indicted a Sparta woman on charges of First Degree Felony Murder and Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult in connection to the death of her adult son with special needs. According to a press release from District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway, on February 15, 2019, the Sparta Police Department began investigating 72-year-old Betty Ann Stafford after her 42-year-old son, Mark Christopher Stafford, was found deceased at their home. Mark had Downs Syndrome and his mother was his caretaker. An autopsy revealed that Mark weighed only 54 pounds when he died and his death was caused by severe malnutrition and sepsis associated with severe sores on his body. Investigators with the DA’s Office worked with the Sparta Police Department and the results of the investigation were presented to the White County Grand Jury on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Betty Ann Stafford was arrested Friday, May 22, 2020 and booked into the White County Jail. The investigation is on-going. Information has come to light that Betty Ann Stafford may have acted as the caretaker of other elder and vulnerable adults. The public is asked to contact the District Attorney General’s Office or the Sparta Police Department if you are aware of any other potential victims of neglect or abuse by Betty Ann Stafford. Tennessee state law requires reporting of suspected abuse of a vulnerable or elderly adult. Call 1-888-APS-TENN (277-8366).
(Photo courtesy District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway)
Sparta Woman Indicted In Son's Death
May 27, 2020 | 5:00 AM