PRESS RELEASE

          Suspect:  Winkle, Thomas Joseph, Age 52 of Ukiah.

          Crimes: Severe Neglect and Abuse of a Dependent Adult, Felony Crime, Bail $100,000.

On 3/18/13 the 32 year old Ukiah Woman in this dependent adult neglect case passed away from what Ukiah Police Detectives believe to be conditions directly related to severe medical conditions caused by her neglect as reported on March 12th.

The Ukiah Police Detectives have been working on this case non-stop since they were notified the victim was hospitalized and have been working closely with the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and conducting extensive follow-up investigation. The victim will undergo a forensic autopsy and UPD Detectives and the District Attorney’s Office will determine if additional charges will be sought against Suspect Thomas Winkle, who was the woman’s boyfriend and County paid In Home Care Provider.  Winkle remains in-custody in the Mendocino County Jail.

By: Captain Trent Taylor