Foster Home Worker To Stand Trial In Videotaped Beating Of Disabled Woman
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit judge has ordered a 49-year-old Detroit foster home worker to stand trial in the videotaped beating of a disabled woman with a mop handle and extension cord.
District Judge Ruth Carter ruled Thursday that there's enough evidence to try Kadia Konate-Dennard on felony assault, torture and vulnerable adult abuse charges.
Konate-Dennard is being held on $200,000 bond and faces a circuit court arraignment June 12.
Konate-Dennard was arrested after WJBK-TV broadcast a video of the May 12 beating. The video shows an employee at Strathmoor Manor, allegedly Konate-Dennard, assaulting 24-year-old Vera Gossett. Gossett, who is autistic and can't speak, screams throughout the attack and attempts to hide beneath a blanket. She was treated for non life-threatening injuries.
The video was recorded by Konate-Dennard's co-worker, Dominique Blade. Blade testified in court that the abuse went on for about three hours.
"She told me, 'Well this is the way you have to handle her, she's an animal, you have to handle her and deal with her like this,'" Blade said.
Gossett's family has also filed a lawsuit against Konate-Dennard and the home's owner, Bartholomew Ajulufoh.
Strathmoor Manor is a six-bed foster care facility for developmentally disabled and mentally impaired people. All residents have since been moved to different homes.
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