An autistic woman from New Mexico endured unimaginable suffering and ultimately met her tragic demise at the hands of her caregivers, who were entrusted with her well-being in their own home.
Official reports confirm that Mary Melero, 38, suffered from lacerations, bruises, and bed sores that had deteriorated to the extent of exposing her bones. Police made the distressing revelation on February 27 when they discovered Melero in a van at the El Paso port of entry, as her caregivers attempted to transport her to Mexico for treatment.
Authorities further revealed evidence of restraint marks on Melero’s body, suggesting prolonged confinement, and alleged that she had endured three harrowing days in a bathtub filled with her own waste before being taken to the border. Melero passed away on April 7 at the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.
Following an investigation that originated from the stop at the US-Mexico border, police apprehended three women and formally charged them with abuse and neglect. Attorney General Raúl Torrez described the abuse and injuries inflicted upon Melero as the most appalling he had witnessed throughout his prosecutorial career. He asserted that the extent of her suffering amounted to nothing short of torture.
Among the accused caregivers are Angelita Rene Chacon, 52, and her girlfriend, Patricia Hurtado, 42, both residents of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. They face charges including abuse or neglect resulting in fatality, false imprisonment, and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment. Luz Scott, 53, a friend of the couple, also faces charges of false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.
Chacon and Hurtado, participants in a waiver program, received around $5,000 monthly to care for Melero. They enlisted the services of At Home Advocacy and three other contractors, who received nearly $250,000 for Melero’s care over three years, according to preliminary business record examinations.
Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and top health officials have reiterated their commitment to holding accountable any caregivers who mistreat or abuse vulnerable individuals, especially those with developmental disabilities. Republican legislative leaders have joined in demanding an independent federal investigation to ensure transparency and prevent such atrocities from recurring.
