Judge orders competency evaluation for Alzheimer's patient awaiting sentencing
BY JERRY WOFFORD World Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
An 80-year-old woman awaiting sentencing for manslaughter will undergo a mental competency evaluation and will not return to the Tulsa Jail before her competency hearing, a judge ruled Wednesday.
The Tulsa Jail’s medical director testified at a hearing Wednesday that Betty Edwards Jamison’s condition has worsened significantly since she arrived at the Tulsa Jail earlier this month.
Jamison pleaded no-contest to first-degree manslaughter Sept. 4 in connection to the death of Latrice White, 31, in a vehicle crash Jan. 18, 2010.
Dr. Andrew Adusei, medical director at the Tulsa Jail, described Jamison’s mental condition as “severely demented with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Her physical condition has also deteriorated, requiring Jamison to be transferred to an area hospital for tests and procedures that the jail does not have the facilities or equipment to perform, Adusei said.
Tulsa County District Judge William Kellough said that considering the testimony from Adusei, a competency evaluation was needed.
Also, once discharged from the hospital, Jamison would be transferred to an extended care facility covered by her insurance or Medicare, and would be under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office, as she is currently at the hospital.
If a facility is not available, she would be transferred to her home with an ankle monitor and receive home health care. The third option would come from the Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services.
“I outlined three options, none of which are David L. Moss” -- the Tulsa Jail, Kellough said.
Associated Images:
Betty Edwards Jamison
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