2nd-Degree Burns To Patient; Glendale Heights Caregiver Charged

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — A Glendale Heights woman faces several felony charges after authorities say an older woman in her care sustained second-degree burns because she failed to test the temperature of water before giving her a bath.

Darnitia Conner, 58, was charged with abuse of a long-term care facility resident, criminal neglect of a long-term care facility resident and reckless conduct in connection with the June 2024 incident at Ray Graham Association (RGA) in Bensenville.

According to prosecutors, Conner put the woman in a hot shower, which resulted in second-degree burns on most of her lower body. Conner is further accused of failing to tell medical staff at the facility about how badly the woman had been hurt.

"This successful indictment could not have taken place without the hard work and collaboration of DuPage County Patrol Deputies, Forensic Investigations Unit, Investigations and the State of Illinois Attorney General Office Investigators,” DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a statement.

Mendrick added, “The case brought before the Grand Jury was the result of hours of investigation and interagency cooperation between the Sheriff’s Department and Attorney General’s Office. The Sheriff’s Department takes the health, safety, and well-being of all the residents of DuPage County seriously. It was especially disturbing to find a caregiver of The Ray Graham Association (RGA), in a position of trust, cause bodily harm to one of its residents because of willful abuse and neglect."

“Residents of long-term care facilities and community-based group homes rely on caretakers for their health and wellness. All Illinois residents deserve to be safe in their homes, and it is appalling that any caretaker would cause serious harm to an elderly or vulnerable patient in their care,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement to protect Illinois seniors and people with disabilities and hold individuals who abuse them accountable

Conner is set to appear in court again March 10.

RGA did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment Wednesday afternoon.