Murder charge dismissed in suspected elder abuse case

The woman who was charged with murder in the death of an elderly woman had her charges dismissed Wednesday, following findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Patricia Bader-Sanders appeared in Christian Circuit Court alongside her defense attorney and Commonwealth’s Attorney Maureen Leamy, who informed the court that the Medical Examiner conducted a thorough examination of the victim, Wilma Saturley, and was unable to conclude that her death was due to neglect or abuse, ruling it as natural causes. As such, Leamy moved to dismiss the murder charge against Bader-Sanders.

Judge John Atkins granted the motion, dismissing the case with prejudice—which means it is permanently closed and cannot be filed again.

Bader-Sanders was originally charged with knowing abuse/neglect of an adult following investigation into reported physical injuries on Saturley that, at the time, were believed to be consistent with that of abuse.