A 51-year-old woman in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is facing an upgraded charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death after her developmentally delayed brother died from alleged neglect that prosecutors say included leaving him and his elderly father covered in their own waste to "teach them a lesson."
Background
Kathryn Ann Payton served as the primary caregiver for both her father, described as a medically frail man suffering from cognitive decline, and her brother Christopher Leach, who was developmentally delayed and suffered from multiple physical ailments. The family unit shared living quarters in an apartment on Lincoln Avenue in Evansville, Indiana.
The horrific conditions inside the residence came to light on May 1 when a pest control technician attempting a routine quarterly treatment encountered a resident who appeared unwell and was physically covered in waste. Alarmed by what he witnessed, the technician reported his observations to the apartment complex manager, who subsequently contacted police for a welfare check.
The Investigation
When officers arrived at the scene, they described conditions as "overwhelming to the point that it caused nausea." Inside the residence, authorities found both men "covered in urine and feces" with clothing and bedding that were "extremely soiled," according to court documents. Investigators documented feces on the floors, furniture where the men sat, and even on a pillow where the father slept.
Medical personnel who arrived on scene documented severe neglect that had persisted for an extended period. One victim was found in a recliner with a "labored, hacking cough" and clothing soaked in waste "down to the knees," appearing to have remained in that state for several days. His oxygen levels were recorded at a dangerously low 87%. The other man, located in a back bedroom, was unable to stand without assistance and was found with "open sores on his body" and a "rattling cough."
When questioned by authorities, Payton initially claimed she did not know why the men had not cleaned themselves. However, her narrative shifted when she admitted she was fully aware of the unsanitary conditions and that they were living in their own waste.
Payton allegedly told investigators that because the two men would not clean themselves, she "showed them" by removing their television and Amazon Fire Stick. She further admitted she refused to help to "teach them a lesson," according to statements from emergency medical technicians documented in the affidavit.
The neglect reportedly extended to basic medical needs. Despite her brother's rattling cough and weakened condition, Payton allegedly told police he had been sick for approximately a week but had not been taken to a doctor. She stated that if he chose not to see a physician, "he would just sit with it."
Leach died after being hospitalized in May. A subsequent autopsy determined his cause of death was malnutrition and dehydration due to complications from neglect.
Key Takeaways
- Payton is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death following her brother Christopher Leach's death
- She faces an additional count of neglect of a dependent related to alleged treatment of her elderly father, who survived the ordeal
- Both victims were discovered covered in waste after a pest control technician reported the conditions on May 1
- Payton allegedly admitted she deliberately refused to assist the men to "teach them a lesson" for not cleaning themselves
- Investigators determined both men lacked the mental or physical ability to care for themselves
What's Next
Payton is scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference Sept. 28. Her trial is set to begin Feb. 16, 2027, in Vanderburgh County Circuit Court. Both victims were transported to Deaconess Gateway Hospital following their discovery and admitted for emergency medical treatment due to their medically compromised states.