Woman, 81, Seriously Hurt In Robbery, Caregiver Charged

GROSSE POINTE PARK, MI — A Detroit caregiver is facing charges in connection with the robbery and assault of an 81-year-old woman in Grosse Pointe Park, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said.

The elderly woman was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was in critical condition, officials said.

Essence Lefaye Cross, 33, was charged with assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, unlawful driving away of an automobile, and four counts of felony firearm. Her bond was set at $2 million and her next court date is scheduled for May 17.

Prosecutors said Cross, who had worked as the elderly woman's caregiver, broke into the Grosse Pointe Park home on the 1040 block of Berkshire St. at 3:10 a.m. on Friday. She then hit the 81-year-old woman in the head with a handgun and robbed her before driving away in the elderly woman's car, officials said.

Officers tracked down the car shortly later and arrested Cross in connection to the brutal attack, officials said.

Since the car was a newer Ford model, officials worked with Ford Motor Co. to track down the car, officials said.

Officers also found numerous items that belonged to the elderly woman, as well as a gun officials believe Cross used to rob her, police said.

"It is heartbreaking to constantly see a senior citizen's trust be eroded completely by someone that they knew and let into their home on previous occasions," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "The crimes that we allege today against this defendant will show the ultimate of betrayals. We will seek justice for our senior victim in this case."