A temporary worker at a senior living facility in Augusta, Georgia, was arrested after being accused of fatally assaulting an 82-year-old resident in early January. Curtis Hightower III, 28, is facing charges of exploitation of an elderly or disabled person and aggravated battery for his role in the incident.
The tragic event occurred on January 5 at the Barclay Senior Living facility, where Hightower had been working. The victim, Harry Millard, was reportedly struck by Hightower with a closed fist, causing him to fall to the floor. The force of the fall resulted in Millard’s head bouncing off the hard surface, leading to unconsciousness. He was rushed to a hospital, but the injuries were too severe, and Millard passed away on January 17.
Initially, Hightower attempted to claim that Millard had sustained the injuries from a simple fall, but his story was contradicted when staff at the facility reviewed security footage. The footage clearly showed Hightower striking Millard before the elderly man fell, revealing the true cause of his injuries. This led to Hightower’s arrest just days after the incident.
Hightower was employed as a nursing assistant at the time of the assault, and he had been hired through a contracted staffing agency, Consolidated Medical Staffing. Following the incident, the senior living facility confirmed that Hightower is no longer employed at Barclay Senior Living. The facility’s executive director, Kristen Ryan, cooperated with authorities during the investigation.
The crime shocked both staff and residents at the senior living home, a place meant to provide care and comfort to the elderly. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety protocols and staffing procedures at the facility. It was revealed that Hightower had been working at Barclay through the staffing agency, but further details about his background and whether he had any prior issues or complaints related to his work were not immediately available.
The police investigation has been ongoing, and additional information may come to light as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Millard’s death. Hightower’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly given the vulnerable position of elderly residents in such facilities, who depend on caregivers for their well-being and safety.
The tragedy has highlighted the importance of ensuring proper oversight and monitoring of employees in senior care environments, where incidents of abuse or neglect can have devastating consequences. Many are calling for more stringent background checks for workers in such settings, as well as better training and clearer accountability measures.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the senseless loss of an elderly man in a place that should have been safe. Family members of Harry Millard have yet to speak publicly about the loss, but the case has certainly raised important questions about how we care for our elderly population, particularly those who rely on others for daily support.
The incident also underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring the behavior of temporary or contracted workers who are placed in sensitive environments like nursing homes and senior living facilities. While temporary staffing can be an essential part of maintaining care levels, it also requires additional oversight to ensure that those entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals have the necessary skills, temperament, and background to provide appropriate care.
As authorities work to hold Hightower accountable for his actions, the larger conversation about senior care, worker qualifications, and the safety of elderly residents is likely to continue.
