An operator of several unlicensed assisted living homes in Texas previously charged with abandoning a resident now is facing a murder charge after another resident’s death was ruled a homicide.
Regla “Su” Becquer, who operated at least five unlicensed care homes under Love and Caring for People LLC, has been held in the Tarrant County Corrections Center since Feb. 15 on a $750,000 bond on charges of abandoning/endangering an individual with imminent danger, and bodily injury for withholding care from a woman with cerebral palsy.
A murder charge has been added after the local medical examiner has ruled that the January death of Kelly Pankratz, 60, a homicide. Pankratz died due to mixed drug toxicity, according to WFAA, which reported that Becquer is connected to five homes in the cities of Arlington, Mansfield and Grand Prairie and that police are investigating more than 20 deaths connected to the unlicensed homes.
The Arlington Police Department Behavioral Health Law Enforcement Unit had been investigating the unlicensed care homes operated by Becquer for several months following allegations of abuse, neglect, theft and fraud. Investigators allege that Becquer and staff members did not properly care for residents, prevented residents from seeking medical attention, attempted to cut off communication between residents and their families, used residents’ debit cards without their knowledge or consent, and maintained possession of deceased residents’ property, including phones and vehicles.
Becquer and her company also are under investigation by Adult Protective Services in the state Department of Family and Protective Services, according to media outlets. The state Department of Health and Human Services found that Becquer’s homes did not meet health and safety standards.
At a March press conference, Arlington Police Lt. Kimberly Harris, commander of the department’s Behavioral Health Law Enforcement Unit, said that the caregivers gave residents “a substance to keep them under control and prevent their exit,” according to WFAA.
Investigators are working to determine whether there are additional victims or community living homes that they have not yet identified.
