Shock and Sadness in Hilton Head Island: Local Man Charged in Mother’s Tragic Death
Hilton Head Island residents are grappling with a heartbreaking story that has surfaced recently. Jeffrey Page Howell, a 65-year-old man, is now behind bars after being charged with the alleged neglect of his mother, which investigators say led to her untimely death back in October 2023. This tale has not only shocked the community but has also highlighted serious concerns regarding the safety of vulnerable adults.
What Happened?
According to police reports, Howell was the primary caretaker of his 87-year-old mother, Alma Greer, who tragically passed away on October 5, 2023. The two lived in an apartment at Woodhaven Garden Villas, located just a stone’s throw from Coligny Beach. What investigators found in their shared home was nothing short of alarming. Howell is accused of allowing his mother to live in squalid conditions while blocking her from receiving the necessary medical care.
Beaufort County Coroner David Ott ruled Ms. Greer’s death a homicide, citing “complications of neglect.” This included severe malnutrition and dehydration, ailments that no one should have to suffer through in their final days. Responding to the chilling scene where emergency medical crews struggled to reach Greer’s body, an incident report noted that they had to move her remains out of a cluttered apartment that was filled with items not typically found in a well-maintained home. And get this: the entire ceiling was draped in cobwebs!
The Investigation Unfolds
This isn’t just an isolated incident. A paramedic who had been called to the apartment in the past had expressed concerns over Greer’s deteriorating health and the living conditions. He had reached out to The Department of Social Services not once, but twice—once in August and again in September 2023—to voice his concerns.
In a police interview, Howell made some startling claims, insisting that his mother was in “good standing” during her last doctor’s visit. But as the days went by, he alleged that Greer’s health took a turn for the worse around mid-September, claiming that she was no longer able to move around. It raises an eyebrow, doesn’t it?
Even more disturbingly, Howell made the shocking assertion that he believed doctors were “pumping her full of toxins” during her hospital stays. He said he “had her discharged every time” because he didn’t trust medical professionals and believed in avoiding medications. This has prompted investigators to dig deeper into this complex case of alleged neglect.
The Legal Situation
Investigators concluded that Howell’s situation was one of neglect, and thus, a case was opened. He faced serious charges of abuse of a vulnerable adult resulting in death, a felony offense that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years under South Carolina law.
On Monday, Howell was arrested at his home after deputies obtained a warrant, though they had delayed taking action while awaiting autopsy results. In a subsequent hearing, Howell was granted a $100,000 surety bond, which means he must come up with at least $10,000 to be released. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, he had not yet posted bail and remained in the Beaufort County Detention Center.
A Community on Alert
With over 29% of the Beaufort County population aged 65 and older, the community is starting to feel the weight of this situation. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson highlighted that reports of crimes against vulnerable adults have increased by a staggering 30% in the last two years, pointing to rising awareness among local law enforcement as a contributing factor.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder for all of us to keep a closer eye on our loved ones, especially the elderly and vulnerable among us. As the community reflects on this story, many are left pondering how such neglect could go unnoticed for so long. The hope is that instances like this will motivate stronger protections for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
