FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (TCD) — A 54-year-old former assisted living facility employee faces a murder charge for allegedly assaulting and killing an 88-year-old resident last month.
According to a news release from the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, on Sept. 24, officers responded to the Windsor Point Retirement Community on Broad Street to a report of an altercation. Police learned Cynthia Sellars, an employee at the facility, allegedly pushed resident Lillie Cooper onto the floor.
As a result of the assault, Cooper suffered critical injuries and was transported to WakeMed-Cary for medical treatment. According to an arrest warrant obtained by WNCN-TV, Cooper broke her left hip bone.
Sellars was initially charged with one count of assault on individuals with a disability.
Cooper eventually died from her wounds, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide due to assault.
Investigators reviewed the Medical Examiner’s report and consulted with the District Attorney’s Office. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, police said they obtained a felony warrant for Sellars on one count of murder. Officers booked her into the Johnston County Detention Center, and she remains held without bond.
Sellars was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, Oct. 25.
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