A man in Spring Hills, Florida, was taken into custody following an incident where his elderly mother was found in a dire state covered in waste and maggots, leading to her hospitalization. Jason Thomas Russell, 47, contacted emergency services after discovering his 79-year-old mother bleeding from an elbow wound at their residence. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff were shocked by the woman’s appalling physical condition, noting multiple open sores and a severe maggot infestation. Tragically, she passed away two days after being admitted.
Fire Rescue responders who arrived at the scene observed Russell preventing them from accessing the property, impeding their ability to provide necessary medical care to his mother. He was subsequently arrested for obstructing law enforcement efforts to secure the crime scene. During police questioning, Russell claimed his mother resisted his help and had deteriorated over the past six months, refusing medical attention despite his attempts to intervene.
Authorities disclosed that Russell was the primary caregiver for his mother. Describing the scene inside the home, deputies reported finding heavily soiled furniture infested with insects and a strong smell of ammonia. Russell admitted to unconventional methods of caring for his mother, including the use of a pool for bathing. He now faces charges of elderly abuse, neglect, and resisting law enforcement.
Russell is currently detained at the Hernando County Detention Center, awaiting arraignment scheduled for the following month.