GREENCASTLE, IN – Authorities have arrested a 51-year-old man in the wake of a troubling discovery that has led to accusations of severe neglect and potential criminal charges. Randy Halton, serving as the caregiver for his elderly mother, is under investigation following the shocking death of Sandra Halton, who was found severely malnourished in their home.
The grim scene unfolded on December 5, 2024, when Randy Halton alerted emergency services after discovering his mother’s lifeless body in their Greencastle residence. Responding officers described the frail woman’s body as having a “mummified appearance,” sparking immediate concerns regarding her care prior to her death.
Court documents reveal that Randy Halton acknowledged his mother’s ongoing health problems, specifically citing thyroid issues. Despite these conditions, it appears her dietary needs were severely neglected. Authorities confirmed that Sandra Halton’s cause of death was malnutrition, with an autopsy revealing no solid food in her digestive system upon her demise.
Randy Halton recounted his actions leading up to her death, mentioning his efforts to encourage her to eat and drink before tucking her into bed the night prior. He allegedly intended to seek medical attention for her the following day.
However, a closer examination of their outreach to healthcare providers showed troubling gaps. Sandra’s physician had not seen or heard from her or her son since February, a month when she was already deemed malnourished and weighed only 105 pounds.
Witness testimony and further examination raised additional suspicions about Randy Halton’s motives, with reports indicating he instructed a relative to withhold information about his mother’s passing. The recipient of this instruction later expressed confusion about why emergency services were not contacted sooner, noting that Randy did not need to manage his responsibilities alone.
As law enforcement delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the case, they noted Randy Halton’s apparent denial of the seriousness of his mother’s condition, reportedly stating she “seemed fine,” despite acknowledging her appearance had deteriorated significantly.
While formal charges have yet to be filed against Randy Halton, the investigation continues as authorities work to ascertain whether neglect and failure to seek timely medical intervention played a role in this tragic outcome. The community remains on edge as they await further developments in the case, reflecting a broader concern about the responsibilities of caregivers for vulnerable family members.