Suspicious Death Investigation at Augusta Senior Living

News Summary

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office is probing the suspicious death of Harry Millard, an 82-year-old resident at the Barclay Senior Living facility in Augusta, Georgia. Initially thought to be an accident, evidence now suggests potential foul play, involving an assault by a staff member. Arrests have been made, raising concerns in the community about the safety of elderly residents. Families hope for clarity as the investigation continues, emphasizing the need for strict protections in senior living setups.

Suspicious Death Under Investigation at Augusta Senior Living Facility

In the charming city of Augusta, Georgia, a serious situation has unfolded at the Barclay Senior Living facility on Frazier Court. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating a case involving the suspicious death of an 82-year-old resident named Harry Millard. This unexpected turn of events has raised more than a few eyebrows and has the community concerned.

What Happened?

On January 6, 2025, Harry Millard sustained injuries while staying at the facility. Initially, the idea was that he had simply fallen, which is quite common among elderly residents. After the incident, emergency medical services (EMS) promptly transported Millard to Piedmont Augusta ER for evaluation. Unfortunately, after a stay in the hospital, he was pronounced dead on January 17, 2025. It’s certainly heartbreaking to hear that a life has ended, especially under these circumstances.

The investigation into this case is still in its early stages, and as of now, there are no additional details regarding the incident itself or how Millard’s injuries escalated to such a tragic outcome.

A Shocking Assault Allegation

Things took an increasingly alarming turn on January 29, 2025, when deputies were called to Barclay Senior Living after management was notified of a past assault within the facility. Reports emerged that there was a concerning incident between Curtis Nekia Hightower, a 28-year-old temporary nursing assistant at the facility, and Harry Millard, which reportedly took place on January 5, 2025.

As the case began to unfold, it became clear that there was more to the story than just a simple fall. Video footage reviewed by the staff after Millard’s death revealed Hightower allegedly striking Millard, which caused him to lose his balance and fall, ultimately leading to his loss of consciousness. This new evidence prompted the authorities to take a deeper look into the incident.

Crisis Management and Charges Filed

The investigation revealed that, following the violent altercation, Millard suffered from an Intraparenchymal hemorrhage — a serious condition that can arise from trauma to the head. This shocking information led to Hightower’s arrest. He has been charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled person and aggravated battery. It is important to note that Hightower was hired through a staffing agency and, following the allegations, he is no longer working at Barclay Senior Living.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

As news continues to circulate about this incident, the community is left grappling with both anger and sadness. Many residents at senior living facilities count on their caregivers for safety and companionship during their golden years. The thought that someone could potentially exploit that trust is truly troubling for everyone involved.

The investigation into Harry Millard’s death and the circumstances surrounding it remains ongoing. As more information becomes available, families and residents alike are hoping for clarity and justice in this heart-wrenching case.

In the meantime, additional measures may be taken at residential facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, as no one deserves to face harm, especially in a place meant for care and comfort.

As Augusta grapples with the aftermath of this unfortunate event, let us remember how crucial it is to protect our elderly communities and ensure that they are treated with the kindness and respect they richly deserve. The investigation may take time, but the hope is that it leads to important changes and better protections for all residents in the future.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Richmond County Coroner’s Office Investigating Suspicious Death
• Wikipedia: Suspicious Death
• WJBF: Death of Barclay Senior Living Resident Under Investigation
• Google Search: Suspicious Death Investigation Augusta
• WRDW: New Details Revealed After Shooting Death of 30-Year-Old Augusta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• WJBF: Suspicious Death Investigation Underway in Augusta
• Google News: Suspicious Deaths Augusta
• The Augusta Press: Body Found in Augusta Canal