Bethesda Man Arrested for Abusing Elderly Mother

An 87-year-old Bethesda woman is in serious condition and her son is charged with abusing her.

PHOTO | MCP

James Kirkland, 57, of the 6000 block of Beech Avenue in Bethesda, is charged with causing abuse to his 87-year-old mother.

On May 1 at approximately 3 a.m., Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded to a home in the 6000 block of Beech Avenue in Bethesda for a sick patient. Fire & Rescue personnel transported an 87-year-old woman, now identified as Kirkland’s mother, to the hospital because she was in need of medical treatment, according to a news release from police. Montgomery County Adult Protective Services (APS) was notified that the patient showed signs of possible neglect and abuse. APS then notified the detectives from the Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit.

According to police, Kirkland was the primary caretaker of his mother who had serious wounds and evidence of neglect.

Police also said the home was not well maintained. Kirkland was charged with causing abuse that resulted in serious physical injury to his mother, who is a vulnerable adult, (a felony), and causing abuse to his mother in his role as a caregiver (a misdemeanor). Kirkland has been released on bond.

The victim remains in the hospital in very serious condition, according to police.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

View all posts by Krista Brick