A Cuban-American woman residing in Hialeah, identified as Elizabeth Benavides, has been arrested after being accused of assaulting her 96-year-old mother. It was a couple renting the back part of the house who noticed bruises and other signs on the elderly woman's body, along with hearing screams in the middle of the night.
According to Benavides' arrest report—who had been caring for her mother since 2022—on several occasions, the tenants had to feed the elderly woman because she told them she went many hours without eating. Additionally, they often changed her dirty diapers because her daughter did not.
The tenants decided to contact the victim's grandson and the accused's nephew after observing various evidences of the elderly woman's condition. Once informed, the man called the police. When officers arrived at the house in west Hialeah, they found the elderly woman with bruises on her arms and legs, and she was taken to a hospital.
The woman explained that her daughter would become angry and they would argue when she woke up in the middle of the night, although she did not admit that her daughter hit her. "My grandmother is in the hospital but recovering," said the elderly woman's grandson in a phone interview with Telemundo 51. "This doesn't surprise me because I suspected it. There were signs of what was happening, but I don't want to share the details at this time," he added.
Elizabeth Benavides has been charged with negligence and bodily harm against an elderly person. The investigation also revealed that she was administering excessively high doses of a sleeping medication to her mother. The accused claimed the bruises were the result of a fall that occurred two weeks ago, but the neighbors showed police a video in which the elderly woman admitted her daughter had caused the injuries.
Judge Mindy S. Glazer set bail at $15,000 for Elizabeth Benavides, who has since been released after paying the established amount.
Details on the Hialeah Elder Abuse Case
Here are some frequently asked questions about the incident involving Elizabeth Benavides and her elderly mother in Hialeah.
What led to the arrest of Elizabeth Benavides?
Elizabeth Benavides was arrested after tenants noticed bruises on her elderly mother and heard screams at night. They contacted the grandson, who informed the police.
What were the charges against Elizabeth Benavides?
She was charged with negligence and bodily harm against an elderly person.
How did the investigation reveal further abuse?
The investigation found that Benavides was giving her mother excessively high doses of a sleeping medication. Neighbors also provided a video where the elderly woman admitted her daughter caused the injuries.
What is the current status of Elizabeth Benavides?
Elizabeth Benavides is out on bail after paying the $15,000 set by Judge Mindy S. Glazer.