– North Texas group home homicide
– Owner arrested in connection to client deaths.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Authorities have confirmed that one of the 20 deaths associated with an ongoing investigation into unlicensed group homes in Arlington and Mansfield has been ruled a homicide by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The deceased individual has been identified as 60-year-old Steven Kelly Pankratz, who passed away in the early hours of January 12. The medical examiner determined that a combination of trazodone, tramadol, and mirtazapine led to his untimely death.
Records from the Tarrant County Jail indicate that Regla Becquer, the owner of the group homes, has been arrested on a murder charge in connection to Pankratz’s demise. As of now, her bond has not been set.
It was earlier this year when Becquer was taken into custody on charges of endangering another resident of the unlicensed group homes she operated.
Arlington police have disclosed that investigations are ongoing into the deaths of the individuals who resided in the properties managed by Becquer and her company, “Love and Caring for People LLC.”
Allegations against Becquer and her staff include restricting patients from seeking medical assistance, neglecting their care needs, preventing them from communicating with family members, using their financial assets, and misusing their belongings after their passing, as outlined in search warrant affidavits.
In March, Becquer was initially arrested for abandoning or endangering an individual, creating a situation of imminent bodily harm. This charge stemmed from a disabled woman’s report of abuse and unlawful detainment.
According to three search warrants obtained by the Star-Telegram, a total of 13 individuals have died since 2022 either while residing in or shortly after leaving the group homes.
Subsequently, in April, authorities linked seven more deaths to the homes.
Given that some of Becquer’s clients passed away prior to the commencement of the group homes investigation, obtaining detailed information may prove challenging, as acknowledged by Arlington police in April.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that they will provide a more comprehensive update on the latest developments in the investigation shortly.
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“Client deaths linked to North Texas group homes ruled homicide”
“Owner arrested in connection to client deaths at North Texas group homes”.
