As reported by the Associated Press, Mark Kerrigan, the brother of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, has been indicted in Massachusetts on manslaughter charges. The charges stem from a January 24, 2010 incident which resulted in the death their 70 year old father.
Mark Kerrigan, 45, was initially been served with an arrest warrant for assault and battery on an elderly person resulting in serious bodily injury. The injury allegedly occurred after a fight and shoving match in the family home.
District Attorney Gerry Leone was quoted as stating that Kerrigan’s “violent and reckless actions” resulted in the death.
Leone further stated a grand jury returned the manslaughter and assault indictments after hearing the evidence of Kerrigan’s “drunken rage.” Leone stated Kerrigan had been drinking “became intoxicated,” and argued with his parents. Shortly thereafter, the arguing allegedly escalated into a fight.
Reports indicate that Kerrigan has a previous criminal record with convictions for drunken driving, assault and battery, violation of a restraining order and domestic assaults. Mark Kerrigan has been released on bail, undergone a psychiatric evaluation and is currently living with his mother. Reportedly, the Kerrigan family fully supports Mark Kerrigan and does not blame him for the death of his father, who had a pre-existing heart condition.
This incident sheds some light on what appears to be an increasing tendancy for disregard of the vulnerable physical and/or mental condition of the elderly in our society. Elder abuse can occur in the home at the hand of a family member or in nursing homes by those charged with taking care of your loved one.
The National Center on Elder Abuse suggests several red flags that you should look for in a care giver to help protect your loved one. The care giver:
- Fears that he or she will become violent
- Suffers from low self esteem
- Perceives that he or she is not receiving adequate help or support from others
- Views caregiving as a burden
- Suffers from burnout,” anxiety or severe depression
- feels trapped and is angry with the situation.
As far as the potential sentence Mark may be facing, Manslaughter carries a maximum of 20 years in the State of Massachusetts. In South Carolina, manslaughter, which is defined as the unlawful killing of another without malice, carries a maximum punishment of thirty years. Mark Kerrigan is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Strom Law Firm law is centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina. Our firm proudly handles criminal defense, personal injury, defective products, class actions, pharmaceutical liability, elder abuse and neglect, nursing home neglect toxic torts, medical malpractice, workers compensation, social security, veteran’s benefits, qui tam, predatory lending, tax investigations, business litigation and wills and estates.
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