New Mexico: 3 Caregivers Arrested For Torturing Disabled Woman Who Died

Three caregivers from New Mexico have been arrested for their involvement in the death of a disabled woman whom they allegedly tortured and left dying near the US-Mexico border.

The three caregivers were identified as Angelita Chacon, the caretaker of the disabled woman, as well as Patricia Hurtado, who is reportedly Chacon's girlfriend, and Luz Scott, who provided the vehicle used in transporting the victim, who was identified as 38-year-old Mary Melero, who had developmental disabilities.

According to KOB 4, this was part of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's initiative to investigate the alleged widespread abuse by agencies caring for people with developmental disabilities. All three women are now facing various charges in relation to Malero's death.

The three were said to have been paid thousands of dollars a month to care for the disabled woman, whom New Mexico's top prosecutor describes as being tortured by the three. They were reportedly part of a special program meant to offer an alternative to institutional care.

What Happened to the Disabled New Mexico Woman?

While the disabled woman and her caregivers were all from New Mexico, Melero was reportedly found near El Paso, Texas, along the US-Mexico border by Border Patrol agents. She was then transported to University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

According to ABC-7 News, Malero died in that hospital on April 7, 2023. Border Patrol reportedly found her in terrible condition, with infected sores and open wounds all over her body.

The disabled woman was reportedly unable to speak when the Border Patrol agents found her. Authorities stated she was severely dehydrated and drugged when she was found inside a van. She also had numerous bruises and lacerations, as well as bedsores with exposed bone. The marks found all over her body were consistent with those who have been restrained for a long time.

As for the suspects, Chacon and Hurtado were contracted by At Home Advocacy and three other contractors to take care of the victim. The company reportedly received almost $250,000 to coordinate care and support for the disabled woman during the three years before her death.

The company reportedly visited the home where Melero was staying a month before she was found near the US-Mexico border. An At Home Advocacy supervisor told the FBI that the company conducted monthly wellness visits at Chacon's home at that time. However, the supervisor admitted that they were not able to conduct any "body checks" for the victim and thus were not able to see any injuries.

Patient Torture Case Forced New Mexico to Review Disability Waver System

According to the Associated Press, this particular case was so disturbing that it forced New Mexico to conduct a statewide review of its entire developmentally disabled waiver system.

The state sent social workers over the course of a few weeks and conducted thousands of wellness checks to developmentally disabled people all over New Mexico.

This resulted in more allegations of possible abuse and neglect popping up, leading to the state Health Department canceling contracts with four caregiver companies within the Albuquerque area.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: New Mexico governor announces investigation into developmental disability providers - KOB 4