Relatives of Aaliyah Fortner believed she was being cared for in a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities. However, investigators have revealed she endured repeated abuse.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Authorities in North Carolina have detained two individuals in connection with the tragic death of 23-year-old Aaliyah Fortner, a young woman with disabilities. The two suspects face allegations of mistreatment and abuse, which allegedly led to her untimely demise.
According to court documents, Marlo Wallace and Vera Williams have been charged with patient abuse, neglect, and assaulting a person with a disability. Wallace faces an additional charge of concealing Fortner’s death.
An arrest warrant details that on October 24, 2025, Wallace allegedly struck Fortner on the head and body using her hands and possibly an unidentified weapon. Earlier that month, on October 2, court records indicate that Wallace repeatedly assaulted Fortner by hitting her with various objects, pushing her, using a taser, kicking her, and stomping on her head.
Police reported that Fortner, who was non-verbal, was discovered deceased inside a residence on Greenbrook Trail last month. Her stepmother, Candy Fortner, shared with WCNC Charlotte that Aaliyah had been living in the home alongside others with disabilities. The family had found the placement through state resources, trusting it would offer Aaliyah the care and support she needed.
Williams is accused, according to her arrest warrant, of attacking Fortner on multiple occasions on October 7, 2025. The allegations include hitting Fortner with objects, pushing her to the ground, breaking a broom over her, and using a taser to shock her before holding her to the floor by her head.
Both suspects are currently in jail. Wallace is being held on a $1.5 million bond and Williams on a $1 million bond, according to jail records.
Fortner’s death investigation began after an October 26 crash involving Wallace. District Attorney Travis Page calls it “an ongoing investigation.”
