Grovetown Police issued this press release on the elderly neglect and animal cruelty case:
On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Grovetown Police Department Investigators and City of Grovetown Code Enforcement Officers, responded to a residence on the 500 block of Jackson Street in reference to a complaint regarding possible Neglect of an Elderly Person. Upon arrival, Investigators met with Ms. Latisha Lucinda Brighurst (47), Ms. Hannah Nicole Brighurst (23), as well as Ms. Rebecca Turner (74).
Investigators learned that Ms. Rebecca Turner was disabled, and wheelchair bound and relied on her daughter, Ms. Latisha Lucinda Brighurst, and her granddaughter, Ms. Hannah Nicole Brighurst, to serve as her caretakers. Investigators observed the interior of the residence to be blanketed in animal feces, including the floors, walls, and windows. Investigators further observed Ms. Rebecca Turner to have cuts, scrapes, and marks on her body which appeared to have been caused by the animals within the home. Investigators observed Ms. Rebecca Turner’s wheelchair to be unusable due to the seat being filled with animal feces. In addition, there were no usable showers or toilets in the residence.
All three residents of the home were observed to have animal feces partially covering each item of clothing that they were wearing as well as on their bare skin. Ms. Rebecca Turner was removed from the residence and transported to an area Hospital for medical treatment and evaluation. Adult Protective Services were notified and will be working to place Ms. Turner in a proper facility to meet her needs once she is released.
Columbia County Animal Control responded to the scene and removed over two dozen dogs, multiple cats, and several reptiles from the residence which was subsequently condemned by Grovetown Code Enforcement.
As a result of the investigation, the following arrest warrants were obtained:
Latisha Lucinda Brighurst: Neglect to a Disabled Adult, Elder Person, or Resident (Felony), and Cruelty to Animals (Misdemeanor)
Hannah Nicole Brighurst: Neglect to a Disabled Adult, Elder Person, or Resident (Felony), and Cruelty to Animals (Misdemeanor).
Hannah Brighurst was transported to the Columbia County Detention Center. Latisha Brighurst was transported for medical evaluation and will be committed at a later date.
