WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A mother and son have been arrested and charged with felony homicide following the death of a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy, who authorities say suffered severe neglect at their Woodbridge home earlier this year.
The victim, identified as Jeremy Hall Thompson, was found unconscious and severely emaciated on the floor of the family’s residence at the Bayvue Apartments in the 14100 block of Fisher Avenue on April 2. Responding medical personnel described the scene as “unkempt,” noting the victim had open wounds on his body and showed signs of extreme neglect.
Police say Thompson’s mother, 69-year-old Katharine Mary Thompson, was the primary caregiver for her son and was initially charged with felony neglect after the incident. Thompson was transported to an area hospital but died on April 15. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing sepsis as the cause, which developed due to neglect in the context of his cerebral palsy.
During the investigation, police determined that Jeremy’s brother, 31-year-old Jonathan Lee Thompson, also lived in the home and assisted in the victim’s care at times, making him a responsible party. On November 22, both Katharine and Jonathan Thompson were arrested and charged with felony homicide and abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in this case to contact the police. Both suspects remain in custody, with bond unavailable, and their court dates are pending.