Background: The Assumption Parish Detention Center in Napoleonville, Louisiana (Google Maps). Inset: Markus Stadium (Assumption Parish Sheriff”s Office).
Markus Stadium, aged 36, has been formally charged with “cruelty to the infirmed,” as announced by the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday. The incident allegedly took place earlier this month.
The victim, whose identity remains confidential, was admitted to a healthcare facility in Assumption Parish, a region situated to the west of New Orleans. During the stay, Stadium, who worked as a healthcare attendant at the facility, reportedly informed the family that the patient had suffered wasp stings, as per the sheriff’s office report.
However, the family doubted the explanation due to the nature and recurrence of the injuries. On October 6, the healthcare establishment reached out to the sheriff’s office, voicing concerns that the patient might be experiencing abuse.
Upon investigation, law enforcement officials consulted with medical staff, who confirmed that the victim had sustained burns on various parts of the body on multiple occasions. The inquiry revealed evidence suggesting that Stadium allegedly inflicted the burns using a barbecue grill lighter.
Investigators spoke with medical personnel, “who indicated the victim was burned on multiple occasions throughout his body,” the law enforcement agency said. The investigation continued — and found an alleged cause of the burns. There was reportedly evidence of “Stadium burning the victim with a barbecue grill type lighter.”
An arrest warrant was subsequently secured for the suspect, and he is said to have turned himself in to the Assumption Parish Detention Center on Tuesday. He is being held on a $1 million bond.
