Death Of Man With Cerebral Palsy Prompts Charges For 2 Relatives: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Police have charged two people in the homicide investigation of a victim with cerebral palsy in Woodbridge.

On Friday, police charged the victim's primary caregiver and mother, Katharine Mary Thompson, 69, and the victim's brother, Jonathan Lee Thompson, 31, who assisted with caregiving. Both were charged with felony homicide and abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult.

The charges stem from an investigation into a neglect case starting in April. Police had responded to a call on April 2 at the family's unit at the Bayvue Apartments in the 14100 block of Fisher Avenue in Woodbridge. Police say the victim, a 32-year-old man, was found unconscious on the floor, appeared severely emaciated and had open wounds on his body. The victim was immobile due to cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that impacts movement.

On April 15, the victim was pronounced dead. An autopsy by the medical examiner determined the death was due to sepsis in the setting of cerebral palsy and neglect. The death was ruled a homicide due to the medical examiner's findings.

Police found the mother was the primary caregiver and was charged with neglect at the time of the initial investigation. The victim's brother lived with the victim and assisted with care at times.

The victim was identified as Jeremy Hall Thompson, 32, of Woodbridge.

Anyone with additional information about the investigation can contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip to pwcva.gov/policetip.