Idaho couple deny abuse in death of 67-year-old man

MOSCOW, Idaho – An Idaho couple accused of neglecting a 67-year-man in their care to such an extent he died of malnutrition or starvation have pleaded not guilty to three felony charges.

Charles Wright, 24, and Lindsey Winter, 21, on Monday denied abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, exploitation of a vulnerable adult and fraudulently obtaining welfare or public assistance, the Lewiston Tribune reported Tuesday.

Lee O. Pohrman died Nov. 3 at the Gritman Medical Center after being taken from the residence of Wright and Winter earlier that day. An autopsy listed malnutrition and starvation as the cause.

Francis Spain, Pohrman’s primary care provider at Moscow Family Medicine between January 2009 and April 2011, said Pohrman weighed a healthy 162 pounds when he saw him in April 2013. Pohrman weighed 97 pounds when he died.

Spain said Pohrman had been living at a senior living and care center where he received 24-hour treatment. Pohrman was paralyzed partially on his left side because of a stroke, and he suffered from chronic high blood pressure, bipolar affective disorder and a neurogenic bladder condition.

Pohrman moved out of the assisted care facility and into the couple’s care against medical recommendations, Spain said.

Authorities said Wright and Winter received about $40,450 during 33 months as payment to care for Pohrman, more than the $13,200 that would have been expected under the $400-per-month fee they were charging him.

Wright and Winter are next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 12 for a pretrial hearing.