Two charged in the death of 79-year-old woman

Two Ainsworth residents face numerous charges, including involuntary manslaughter, in the death of a 79-year-old woman who was under their care.

Lori Jo Bean, 50, and Rodney Lee Bean, 50, were indicted by a Washington County grand jury on Jan. 29 in connection with the Feb. 27, 2008, death of Joye Gentzler at the home of Rodney Bean, 3294 Old White Way, Ainsworth.

They pleaded not guilty earlier this month and were released on their own recognizance. A pretrial conference was set for June 11, with trial scheduled on June 22.

In addition to the involuntary manslaughter charge, an aggravated misdemeanor, Lori Bean and Rodney Bean were charged with a combined 14 felony charges, including neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, non-support of a dependent adult, six counts of dependent adult abuse, second-degree theft and three counts of first-degree theft.

Court documents identified Rodney Bean as a friend of Gentzler's. The relationship between Lori Bean and Rodney Bean was not specified in court documents. They could not be reached for comment.

An autopsy by Dr. Marcus Nashelsky at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics found Gentzler suffered several fractured ribs that had healed without being treated and had a non-functioning, broken right arm that had begun to heal but was visibly misshaped. The woman had multiple bed sores and bruises over her body and appeared to be severely malnourished and dehydrated, according to an affidavit filed with the court.

Washington County Medical Examiner Dr. Robin Plattenberger ruled Gentzler's death a homicide and the cause of death malnutrition and dehydration, with contributing factors of probable Alzheimer's disease and multiple blunt force trauma.

Subpoenas obtained by Washington County Attorney Barb Edmondson indicated the last time Gentzler has received medical care was November 2006.

Gentzler had several prescription medications, but it is not known if she was taking them. Washington County Public Health provided a service to ensure she took the medicines, but Rodney Bean canceled the service in 2006, saying he would ensure Gentzler took her medications, court documents stated. Public health records indicate Gentzler was diagnosed with dementia, among other conditions.

Rodney Bean - who controlled Gentzler's finances and held power of attorney for her - was charged with three counts of first-degree theft. Lori Bean was charged with second-degree theft for aiding and abetting in the misappropriation of property, assets or resources valued over $10,000.

Court records state that Gentzler received $642 per month in Social Security benefits, which Rodney Bean controlled. Upon Gentzler's death, the account's balance was $40.57. Three checks that totaled $20,000 were written from Rodney Bean to Joye Gentzler and then back to Bean, the affidavit said.

The Gazette's Zack Kucharski contributed to this report.