Arlington, Texas — Authorities in Arlington are probing the deaths of more than 20 individuals linked to an assisted living care provider, raising serious concerns about the operations underpinning elder care in the community. The deaths, all occurring since September 2022, have ignited an investigation focusing on the practices at Love & Caring for People LLC, managed by Regla “Su” Becquer.
In March, Becquer was arrested and charged with abandoning or endangering an individual in a situation involving imminent bodily injury. This follows a slew of allegations including neglect, improper care, theft, fraud, and abuse at what police have described as her illicitly operated healthcare company serving numerous residential houses throughout Texas.
The scope of the investigation has notably widened subsequent to initial inquiries, according to local authorities. “The investigation’s findings thus far are profoundly troubling, suggesting a gross disregard for human life under the guise of care,” remarked Lt. Kimberly Harris of the Arlington Police Department.
Discussing the investigative challenges, an Arlington PD spokesperson highlighted that many of the deceased had been cremated or buried by the time suspicions arose, complicating efforts to determine the exact causes of death. However, autopsies conducted on two bodies revealed concerning results. Notably, Steven Kelly Pankratz, one of the autopsied clients, allegedly died from mixed drug toxicity.
Results indicate that Pankratz was administered medications not prescribed to him, raising detrimental questions about Becquer’s management and ethical standards in medication administration. “Our findings suggest a deliberate act by Ms. Becquer resulting in Mr. Pankratz’s death,” the spokesperson said.
Following the charges in June, legal proceedings against Becquer are ongoing. She is currently held in Tarrant County Jail with a bail set at $1.5 million.
This case has put the spotlight on the oversight of independent healthcare operators and assisted living facilities, underscoring the need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard vulnerable populations. The ongoing investigation by Arlington Police is supported by collaboration between their Behavioral Health Unit and Homicide Unit, emphasizing an integrated approach to addressing and resolving such severe allegations.
The community reactions have been of shock and dismay, with many calling for stricter supervisions and transparent operations of such essential services. Local authorities have pledged to continue their thorough review of the implicated facilities and any associated entities under Becquer’s management.
As the legal processes unfold, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent oversight in healthcare services, particularly those catering to the elderly and disabled, to prevent such tragedies in the future.