Left to right: Tamara Eaton and Michael Tinsley (Vanderburgh County Sheriff”s Office).
Court records accessed by Law&Crime reveal that Tamara Eaton, 47, and Michael Tinsley, 39, have been charged with neglect of a dependent causing bodily harm and obstruction of justice. Additionally, Tinsley is accused of possessing marijuana, with a prior drug conviction on his record.
The troubling situation unfolded in Evansville, a city nestled along Indiana’s southern border with Kentucky. The pair were responsible for Tinsley’s brother, who has autism, following the death of his mother.
Concerns arose when the man’s sister, residing out of state, contacted authorities fearing for his well-being, as reported by regional NBC affiliate WFIE. Upon their initial visit, officers were reportedly prevented from entering the home by Eaton, who claimed that adult protective services were already on the scene, prompting the officers to leave.
A few days later, a medical device company employee contacted the police again, describing the home as hazardous. This time, officers returned and gained entry by threatening to break down the door when no one initially responded.
Days later, an employee with a medical device company reportedly called law enforcement to report that the home was unsafe. Officers returned and said no one answered the door until they threatened to force it open.
When they got inside, officers said they found the brother on the couch — with a blanket that was covering his legs stuck to multiple wounds on his feet.
The victim also had a burn on his arm and shown signs of malnutrition, according to authorities.
The home was visibly filthy, police said, with the floor caving in and the water shut off, according to the local outlet. The fridge was barren and the entire residence reeked of decay.
The victim was taken to the hospital, and Eaton and Tinsley were arrested and thrown in jail.
They are expected to have their first hearing in court on Tuesday.
