Home Aide Indicted For Manslaughter In Death Of Elderly Man: NCDA

GARDEN CITY, NY — A home health aide was arraigned today on manslaughter and other charges related to the death of an elderly Garden City man she was caring for, officials said.

Gail Godwin, 62, of Bay Shore, was arraigned on charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, and tampering with physical evidence.

Godwin pleaded not guilty, and her bail was set at $150,000 cash or $200,000 bond. She is due back in court on March 3. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

“This home health aide was hired to care for John Busch, but instead she allegedly caused his death by hitting him on the head with an object and failed to call 911 for hours after he was injured,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “My office will protect seniors and we will hold anyone who harms vulnerable individuals responsible for their actions.”

According to Donnelly, on Dec. 27, 2021, Godwin hit 83-year-old John Busch over the head in his Garden City home, causing him to bleed profusely. Police responding to the scene found Busch on his bedroom floor with a pool of blood around his head.

Donnely said that blood was also found in the living room and hallway, and police found a garbage bag full of bloody clothes and towels in a garbage can outside the home.

Prosecutors say that Godwin did not call 911 for help until Busch was already dead.

Godwin was arrested on Dec. 28, 2021.