MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - Macomb County prosecutors call it one of the worst cases of abuse that they have ever seen. A 40-year-old Sterling Heights woman has been arraigned in connection with the torture and abuse of her boyfriend's 80-year-old mother.
Authorities said the defendant, Laura Tisdelle's, boyfriend returned home after a five day trip on Wednesday. There, he found his mother with her hands tied together, restrained to the bed, severely beaten and laying in her own urine and feces.
"It can't get any worse," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido told WWJ's Jon Hewett.
"Ya look at the photographs, you become sickened and shocked by the fact that this was such a horrific beating that you wonder, 'how is this possible?' The photographs and what they saw in the house and the bed and everything else that goes with it... it tells a tale of...horror!"
Tisdelle was the sole caregiver for the victim in her Sterling Heights home while the suspect's boyfriend was away.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Senior Crimes Unit charged Tisdelle on Friday with Torture (life felony), Vulnerable Adult Abuse in the First Degree (15 year felony), Unlawful Imprisonment (15 year felony), and Domestic Violence 3rd (five year felony). A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf.
The victim is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
"From the black and blue marks, as well as some of the other cuts, they are trying to piece together how long -- Was it three days? Was it four days? Was it five days?" Prosecutor Lucido explained.
"We were alerted that there were broken ribs. So we're trying to figure all that out right now. But, this was SO outrageous in the conduct and the behavior."
Tisdelle was arraigned in 41A Sterling Heights District Court in front of District Court Judge Kimberley Weigand where bond was set at $200,000 cash/surety and the defendant is to have no contact with the victim.
When released, Tisdelle must wear a GPS and alcohol tether.
Tisdelle was referred to Community Corrections for substance abuse and a mental health evaluation.
In a Press Release, Prosecutor Lucido said, “The torture and abuse allegedly inflicted upon a defenseless, elderly woman is a grim testament to the darkest corners of our society. It is my solemn duty to prosecute these heinous acts. We will ensure that the victim’s voice is heard, her pain acknowledged, and her perpetrator held accountable."
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for July 5 at 1:00 p.m. and the preliminary exam is scheduled for July 12 at 8:30 a.m. in the 41A Sterling Heights District Court.
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