Australian woman charged with murder after allegedly starving Down Syndrome man to death
A 70-year-old woman from Forest Lake in Brisbane has been charged with murder after a man with Down Syndrome was found dead weighing just 29 kilograms, following a three-year police investigation. The case highlights concerns about the care and treatment of vulnerable adults with disabilities in domestic settings.
Maria Concepceion Arrieta was arrested on Tuesday and charged with one count of murder (domestic violence) over the 2023 death of Isaac Oar, 56, who was found dead at a property in Ayr, south of Townsville, on 10 August 2023. Queensland Police described the probe into his death as "complex," involving extensive detective work, and Arrieta has appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court.
- Queensland woman, 70, charged with murder over Down Syndrome man's death
- Victim, 56, found dead weighing only 29 kilograms in 2023
- Followed a three-year police investigation described as complex
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Isaac Oar was a 56-year-old man with Down syndrome, a lifelong condition that can affect learning and daily support needs. Adults with disabilities may rely on relatives or other people at home for help with food, health and everyday care.
The case concerns the responsibilities of people providing that care and how concerns about a vulnerable adult’s wellbeing are identified. It also involves Queensland’s legal process for examining a death and deciding whether the evidence supports a criminal charge.