‘I had no idea’: Neighbors react to alleged deadly abuse of woman with cerebral palsy in Chesterfield home
VENN
Editor's Note: This article contains graphic descriptions of the abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. Viewer discretion is advised.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Details are emerging about the disturbing conditions a young Chesterfield County woman with cerebral palsy was allegedly forced to live in up until her death in late March.
Tina Curtis of Chesterfield has been charged with the abuse and neglect of 24-year-old Secrett Curtis, who had cerebral palsy and autism. Records show that Tina was Secrett's primary caregiver and her power of attorney.
According to court records obtained by 8News, Secrett was found malnourished -- weighing just 76 pounds at the time of her death at Chippenham Hospital on March 31.
“I had no idea,” one neighbor said, reacting to the news.
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Neighbors said Tina Curtis had lived in the home for at least ten years and she was often seen as friendly and helpful. However, they did not know Secrett existed.
“She was always kind -- her character was good as far as I could see,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
Behind the walls of the home, investigators allege a much darker reality. Court documents detail that Secrett "[ate] her own feces, live[d] in a mold-infested basement and [was] kept in a locked room" prior to her death.
Documents go on to detail what that room was like. Inside, investigators found bedding soaked with blood, urine and feces. There was no access to entertainment or communication.
According to other residents of the house, the room's lock was located on the outside -- but it was removed after 911 was called on March 31.
Records show that Tina's son, Timothy Curtis, was the one who called 911 about Secrett's declining condition -- though another family member had reportedly been urging Tina to get Secrett medical attention for "several months."
Timothy reportedly told his mother that Secrett needed to see a doctor days before her death and he was ignored. He then told her again on the day of Secrett's death.
According to court documents, Tina told her son to put Secrett in a tub with warm water to try and revive her. When that didn't work, he called 911.
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According to the criminal complaint, Tina left "sometime between when the ambulance was call[ed] and [it] arriving" and she was not answering phone calls or texts.
8News asked the neighbor if she was surprised by these allegations.
“Yes -- oh, very much so," she said. "I didn't know anything about who was on the inside."
Tina was arrested on April 1 and charged with abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult, leading to their death. She was released on a $25,000 bond shortly after.
“I saw her Sunday, when I came from church,” the neighbor recalled.
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Just days after that, Curtis appeared in court and her case was continued. A new hearing has been scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 23.
When asked if Tina seemed different that day, the neighbor responded: “She was sad.”
8News visited Tina’s home following her court appearance. She answered the door, but closed it after our reporters identified themselves. She did not provide any comment.
