Portsmouth woman facing felony abuse, neglect charges after 78-year-old’s death

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — Police in Portsmouth say a woman is facing felony charges for alleged elder and child abuse after a 78-year-old died in her care.

Officials say 51-year-old Lisa Corey, of Portsmouth is charged with felony abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with severe impairments, felony battery criminal negligence and two counts of felony cruelty or neglect of a child.

According to the Portsmouth Police Department, they received a call reporting suspected elder abuse at a home on Mill Lane on October 22. The Portsmouth Fire Department had also been called to the scene for aid.

When first responders arrived, they said they found Leonilda Cory, 78, in critical condition. Officers later found that she appeared to have been suffering from severe neglect and maltreatment.

After an investigation, police found Lisa to be the primary caregiver of Leonilda. Detectives searched the residence and later uncovered evidence that Lisa willfully neglected Leonilda by failing to provide necessary care, medial attention and support that she needed.

Hours after being admitted to the hospital, Leonilda passed away.

The investigation later revealed that two children, ages 16 and 17, were living at the address and were placed in the custody of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families due to multiple indications of neglect.

The exact relation of Lisa, Leonilda and the two children was not immediately released.

Corey was arraigned at Newport District Court where her bail was set at $30,000 with surety.