A California woman was sentenced to 13 years in prison for imprisoning and abusing two elderly patients who were in her care. Shirley Montano, 53, pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment of an elder, perjury by false information, and voluntary manslaughter, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid spending the rest of her life behind bars.
One of her victims was Robert Chagas, who died while in her care after contracting pneumonia in 2016. While under Montano's care, Chagas was not adequately fed, and the autopsy found that malnutrition played a role in his death. Officials were unable to determine if Montano intentionally starved Chagas.
Montano's other victim was a 59-year-old woman identified only by her first name, Josefina. When authorities found her, she weighed just 81 pounds and had been starved and severely beaten. Officials believe she may have been held in captivity for up to 23 years. While Josefina was imprisoned, Montano collected her social security checks and took her phone and walker.
"Once she took over the caretaking role, she took over all aspects of their lives," Deputy District Attorney Shanish Aloor said. "She was able to take over benefits and every other aspect of their lives."
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