Police say woman died from severe neglect and maltreatment, Portsmouth caregiver charged

(October 23, 2023)- A local woman is facing troubling charges after the death of a 78-year-old woman.

According to Portsmouth Police, at just after 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, the Portsmouth Police Department received a report of suspected elder abuse.

The Portsmouth Fire Department had been called to the victim’s residence and had transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. Officers responded to Newport Hospital where they discovered the victim in critical condition. The initial investigation indicated that the victim appeared to have been suffering from severe neglect and maltreatment.

The Portsmouth Police Detective Division began to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged neglect and abuse. 51-year-old Lisa Cory of Portsmouth was determined to be the primary caregiver of the victim. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and upon executing the warrant, uncovered evidence that Lisa Cory had willfully neglected the victim by failing to provide the necessary care, medical attention, and support that the victim required. Hours after being admitted to the hospital, the victim passed away.

The victim is being identified as 78-year-old Leonilda Cory.

The investigation also revealed two juvenile children, ages 16 and 17, were residing at the same address. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families responded to the residence and took custody of the juveniles due to multiple indications of abuse and neglect.

Cory was charged with Felony Abuse, Neglect, and/or Exploitation of Adults with Severe Impairments, Felony Battery Criminal Negligence, and two counts of Felony Cruelty or Neglect of Child.

Cory was arraigned at the Newport County District Court earlier today on the charges. Bail was set at $30,000.00 with surety.

The Portsmouth Police Department continues to investigate this incident in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.