The victim, who is disabled and mute, said he was held captive in a Philadelphia basement for months. (KYW)
This story was covered by CBS News, and brought to my attention by Marsha Graham. Held captive by a neighbor, he was beaten, starved and forced to sign over his Social Security checks. The checks were valued at about 600 dollars a month.
“He was physically abused. No scars, but the body was being beaten,” said Robert Richardson, the victim’s brother. “He said he was getting no food and he was urinating in a bucket.”
Here’s the link:
His family says his Social Security checks – as well as his wallet and ID – were taken away and cashed by the suspect. Police compared the possible motive to the case of Linda Weston, who they allege kidnapped and assaulted her mentally disabled victims in a dirty Tacony basement to profit from their Social Security benefits.
Related articles
Linda Ann Weston, being taken into custody last year. Image: http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-08-22/news/33326559_1_linda-weston-beatrice-weston-malnourished-mentally-disabled-adults
- Deaf-Mute Man Held Captive for His Social Security Checks (atlantablackstar.com)
- Woman held captive in basement sues (cnn.com)
- Police: Man imprisoned disabled victim in home (vindy.com)