COBB COUNTY, GA – A man entrusted with the care of an elderly woman is facing serious charges after authorities say he neglected her cries for help, leading to her death. Kenneth Bogart, who was supposed to oversee the woman’s wellbeing, reportedly delayed calling for medical assistance, resulting in charges of neglect and involuntary manslaughter.
The incident unfolded when police arrived at a Cobb County residence to find the elderly woman, Gerilyn Gossit, unresponsive. Bogart, who had picked her up from the hospital earlier, chose to record a video of her in distress instead of seeking immediate help, according to investigators.
Authorities allege that Bogart, who was not the victim’s official caregiver, captured footage of Gossit struggling on the bathroom floor and sent it to a friend, seeking advice. Rather than calling emergency services, he reportedly took a nap in his car, disturbed by the noise she was making.
Neighbors expressed shock at the allegations, describing Bogart as a seemingly friendly individual. One nearby caregiver, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of immediate action in such situations, stating that calling 911 should have been the priority.
After several hours, Bogart finally returned to the residence. Despite continuing to hear Gossit’s distress, he delayed contacting emergency services for an additional five hours. By the time help arrived, Gossit was unresponsive and could not be revived.
In a statement to police, Bogart reportedly mentioned his concerns about Gossit’s discharge from the hospital, indicating that her condition had worsened rapidly after leaving the facility.
Bogart has since been released from custody and is reportedly in Florida addressing a personal medical issue. The charges against him underscore the critical responsibility of caregivers to act swiftly in emergency situations.
The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals reliant on others for care and raises questions about the protocols in place for ensuring their safety.