DRO applauds charges brought against man accused in death of man with disabilities

September 6, 2019 / Victims of Crime

On February 15, 2018, Jerrold Duskey and another resident were physically assaulted at ResCare/Redbluff, a 12-bed Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in West Carrollton, Ohio, where they lived. Mr. Duskey later died, and the facility has since been closed. After 18 months of advocacy from Disability Rights Ohio's Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) team, Erion Williams, a former employee of the facility, has been arrested and indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of patient abuse and one count of tampering with evidence. DRO recognizes this outcome as a significant step closer to justice for the victims and their loved ones.

People with disabilities are at least twice as likely as people without disabilities to be victims of crime, and almost 95% of individuals with disabilities who are victims of violent crime can identify their perpetrator (source). Even so, prosecutions in these cases are rare.

"We are thankful to Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck and his office for working closely with us and choosing to move this case forward," says DRO Executive Director Michael Kirkman. "DRO's VOCA Team is available to collaborate with any police departments and prosecutors in Ohio on cases involving crime victims with disabilities. We hope that other counties see this case as an example of what can be done to better serve the disability community."

Agencies interested in collaborating with DRO on cases involving victims of crime with disabilities can contact Disability Rights Ohio at 800-282-9181.

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Disability Rights Ohio is designated by the Governor under federal law as the protection and advocacy system and client assistance program for people with disabilities in Ohio. The mission of Disability Rights Ohio is to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. Find more information at disabilityrightsohio.org.

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