Investigation Underway into Suspicious Death of Elderly Resident at Augusta Senior Living Facility
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed that his office is investigating a suspicious death involving an elderly resident at Barclay Senior Living, located on Frazier Court in Augusta. The victim, 82-year-old Harry Millard, suffered serious injuries in early January and later died at Piedmont Hospital on January 17.
The investigation began when deputies responded to a report of a past assault on January 29, at approximately 4:05 p.m., after learning that a nursing assistant had allegedly assaulted Millard weeks earlier. According to deputies, staff at Barclay Senior Living were initially told that Millard’s injuries were the result of a fall. However, further examination raised suspicions about the true cause of the injuries.
The assault, which took place on January 5, was not reported until later. After Millard’s death, management at the facility reviewed security footage and discovered that Curtis Nekia Hightower, a 28-year-old nursing assistant, had struck Millard. The video showed Hightower striking the elderly man with a closed fist, causing Millard to fall outside of his room. Deputies said Millard’s head struck the floor, which caused him to lose consciousness.
Arrest warrants indicate that the assault resulted in an intraparenchymal hemorrhage, a serious brain injury, leading to Millard’s death. Hightower has been arrested and charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled person and aggravated battery. Jail records show that he is no longer employed at Barclay Senior Living and was working as a temporary staff member hired through Consolidated Medical Staffing, a contracted staffing agency.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather additional information. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of elderly residents in care facilities.
Richmond County deputies are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The facility, in the meantime, has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
