On March 14, 2023, deputies began an investigation after a report that two employees battered two different residents at Inspired Living at Ivy Ridge Assisted Living Facility, located at 7179 40th Avenue North in Unincorporated St. Petersburg.
According to deputies, the facility’s Executive Director reported the incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 12, 2023, after observing it on surveillance video. Deputies say the incident was initially reported by staff as a resident-on-resident battery. However, the director became suspicious of the claims.
Throughout the investigation, it was discovered that two employees, 23-year-old Rosa Edwards and 19-year-old Aneisha Hall, initiated an altercation with an elderly male resident. The resident pushed an elderly female resident down the hall in her wheelchair. Deputies say Edwards began to whip the male resident with a lanyard while laughing when a physical altercation ensued. Edwards and Hall proceeded to grab the male resident and take him to the ground as he continued to hold on to the wheelchair, causing it to fall sideways with the female resident in it. Both Edwards and Hall then ran away from the area of the incident and out of view of the camera, leaving both elderly residents lying on the ground.
According to deputies, Hall and Edwards reported the incident to their co-workers; however, they stated that the male resident battered the female resident, and they were not involved.
Deputies located Hall and Edwards, and while Edwards was interviewed, she admitted to using excessive force when dealing with the incident and stated that they should have handled it differently. They were both taken into custody and charged with two counts of Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.
Edwards’ and Hall’s employment was immediately suspended, pending termination.
The elderly residents did not sustain any injuries.
The investigation continues.