A Georgia woman has been indicted on felony murder charges after her elderly and disabled mother was found in a severely neglected condition in her home, leading to the mother’s death weeks later.
The woman, Tyrossale Peak, is accused of depriving her 82-year-old mother, Lillie Sapp, of proper care, which allegedly resulted in her death.
What Happened?
Tyrossale Peak, 54, was initially arrested in connection with the neglect of her mother, Lillie Sapp, in December 2024. Authorities were called to Peak’s home in Augusta on December 30 after a welfare check was requested.
When deputies arrived, they found Sapp in an alarming condition, stuck to her bed due to untreated bedsores, surrounded by a strong smell of bodily fluids and roaches.
Her health was severely compromised, and emergency responders had to cut part of the mattress away to remove her from the bed. She was rushed to a hospital where she was initially listed in stable condition, but she tragically passed away three weeks later.
Indictment and Charges
Following the investigation, a grand jury indicted Peak on felony murder and neglect charges. The indictment alleges that Peak “willfully deprived” her mother of health care and proper shelter, leading to her severe injuries.
These injuries, including the untreated bedsores, infections in Sapp’s lungs and bones, and unsanitary living conditions, contributed to her death. Sapp’s bedding was reportedly covered in feces and bugs, further highlighting the horrific neglect she suffered.
Details of the Neglect
According to the indictment and arrest report, Sapp had been removed from hospice care in June 2024 and placed in her daughter’s home for reasons that remain unclear. Despite this, Peak reportedly failed to provide the necessary care for her mother, including medical treatment, proper nutrition, or fluids.
Peak even told authorities that Sapp had lost some weight but that she was otherwise fine, claiming she fed her mother and made sure she drank Ensure supplements daily.
However, law enforcement officers found the home in a deplorable state, with the kitchen infested with roaches, dirty dishes overflowing in the sink, and no evidence of adequate care for Sapp. Authorities also learned that Peak had discontinued her mother’s hospice care and failed to seek further medical attention for her.
The Impact of the Indictment
Peak’s indictment for felony murder is a result of the ongoing investigation into the neglect and abuse of her elderly mother. The conditions in which Sapp was found and the subsequent death have shocked the community, and the case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals who depend on others for care.
As the legal process continues, authorities are ensuring that Peak will be held accountable for her actions, which led to the tragic loss of her mother’s life.
