An Arizona man has been charged with second-degree murder after hospice workers discovered his 84-year-old mother in what authorities described as horrifying conditions — covered in insects, with soiled blankets adhered to her skin and live maggots emerging from open wounds on her body.
Background
Mary Elenz died at Hospice of the Valley on September 20, 2025, two days after staff evaluating her at her Chandler home found her unresponsive and in catastrophic condition. According to charging documents, Elenz had suffered from severe neglect for an extended period before her discovery. Her son, Allen Page, 64, was named as her primary caregiver but had stopped properly caring for her approximately one month prior, his wife told police.
The case came to light on September 18, 2025, when Page called the hospice hotline requesting assistance. The following day, medical staff arrived at the residence and encountered conditions that one nurse would later describe through tears as "the most horrific thing I've ever seen in my life."
Investigators later learned that despite his mother's deteriorating condition, Page had allegedly been spending hours engaged with internet pornography and communicating with women online — activities he funded using his mother's Social Security income, according to the affidavit. Police documented over 70 outgoing messages from Page's phone in the hours before hospice staff arrived, nearly all related to sexting.
The Charges
Page faces one count of second-degree murder, one count of vulnerable adult abuse, and four counts of misconduct involving weapons, according to the Chandler Police Department. He made his first court appearance following the charges on Monday.
Medical records indicate Elenz was diagnosed with protein-calorie malnutrition after being transported to hospice care. Her cause of death was initially listed as pneumonia complicated by skin wounds, with the manner of death considered undetermined. However, prosecutors pursued murder charges after investigators alleged Page had failed to provide adequate care while misusing his mother's finances.
The charging documents detail how staff found Elenz unresponsive with blankets stuck to her skin due to prolonged soiling. Flies circled above her body while fleas "hopped" on the bed, according to the probable cause statement. When nurses attempted to remove the blankets, they discovered open wounds infested with maggots throughout every surface of skin touching the mattress.
Page is being held in the Maricopa County Jail on $1 million cash-only bail.
Key Takeaways
- Allen Page, 64, has been charged with second-degree murder and vulnerable adult abuse in connection with his mother Mary Elenz's death
- The 84-year-old victim was found covered in insects with soiled blankets adhered to her skin and maggots infesting open wounds
- Police allege Page neglected his mother while spending hours on sexting apps and internet pornography using her Social Security funds
- Page's wife told investigators he stopped properly caring for his mother approximately one month before she died
- He is detained in Maricopa County Jail on $1 million cash-only bail pending trial
What's Next
Page remains in custody as the case proceeds through the Maricopa County court system. His next scheduled court appearance has not yet been publicly announced. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence regarding his alleged failure to provide basic care while misusing his mother's financial resources. The misconduct involving weapons charges remain separate matters that will be addressed in subsequent proceedings.