Thank you for printing the article about the rape of an elderly patient by a staff member at a local convalescent hospital. Many members of this community have loved ones in these facilities, and this knowledge will help us all to remain vigilant.
I”d also like to express my dismay at the comment attributed to Lakeport Police Chief Kevin Burke that the victim wasn”t conscious of what happened to her. This woman suffers from Alzheimer”s disease. She is not in a coma or otherwise unconscious. While she cannot speak in coherent sentences anymore, I”m sure she is fully capable of experiencing pain and fear at being attacked in so brutal a manner.
I”ve known this woman since I was a girl. She was sweet-tempered, cheerful and generous. It”s heartbreaking that this disease has prevented her from enjoying her loving family in her last years, and even more terrible that she was unable to defend herself against this evil predator.
Mr. Ross, caught in the act, has thrown himself upon the mercy of the court. I hope Judge Richard Martin doesn”t show him any.
Nikki White
Kelseyville
