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Palm Beach County Man Charged In Death Of Elderly Mother

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BOYNTON BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — A case that has left many scratching their heads seems to be coming clearer.

Palm Beach County authorities have charged a 65-year-old man with aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person in connection with the death of his 92-year-old mother.

The Palm Beach Post reports the life and death of Violet Barker was shrouded in mystery. She lived in a mobile home park for 30 years, and her son lived with her.

The medical examiner ruled the 92-year-old woman died from starvation, though her manner of death could not be determined "due to the advanced stage of decomposition" of her body.

Nicole Bishop, director for Palm Beach County Victim Services, said nearly half of all elderly abuse deaths are due to negligence.

Hart, described by neighbors and court documents as mentally unstable and unfit to care for his ailing mother, was arrested Tuesday.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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