The case of a disabled man who died from severe neglect, allegedly at the hands of his mother and brother, will be tried in front of a jury a judge ruled on Tuesday.
Deborah Marlow, 56, and her son, Christopher Marlow, 26, are both accused of the death of 28-year-old Jeremy Marlow early last year.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors heaped on several extra charges, inculding involuntary manslaughter and animal abuse. They also added two counts of theft for misuse of public funds to Deborah Marlow's list of charges.
Jeremy was mentally handicapped and suffered from cerebral palsy. He was completely dependent upon his family for his care, according to investigators.
In January 2010, Paramedics were called to the family's home in El Cajon, where Jeremy was found lying in a bed covered in feces, urine and black mold. Doctors said he weighed less than 100 pounds and had open pressure sores all over his body.
"The apartment was filthy," said Deputy District Attorney Kurt Mechals. "It was a deplorable situation in which nobody -- no matter their mental acuity --should have to live through."
Jeremy's mother and brother were receiving $5,000 a month from the government to take care of him, according to investigators, who said they both fled to Georgia soon after he died. The pair was arrested after returning to San Diego.
If convicted, both could each receive more than seven years in prison. The trial begins June 13.
