Deputies arrest Naples caretakers in the death of an elderly man

Reporter: Anika Henanger
Published: Updated:
Mugshots of Ronald Everwine, 46, and Jennifer Lynn Everwine, 31. (Credit: Collier County Sheriff's Office)
Mugshots of Ronald Everwine, 46, and Jennifer Lynn Everwine, 31. (Credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

Two Naples caretakers have been arrested on Wednesday on felony warrants after their alleged neglect led to the death of an elderly, bedridden Golden Gate Estates man.

The suspects, Ronald Everwine, 46, and Jennifer Lynn Everwine, 31, face charges of Aggravated Manslaughter with Culpable Negligence of an Elderly or Disabled Person, and Exploitation of the Elderly Less Than $10,000.

The George Rusnack, 73, was bedridden and unable to care for himself due to medical issues. The Everwines were his designated caretakers who lived with him at his residence in Golden Gate Estates. Detectives said the Everwines diverted the victim’s financial assets for their personal gain by having him make a new will with them as beneficiaries.

Around 10 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2018, deputies responded to the victim’s home to assist investigators with the Florida Department of Children and Families in removing the victim from his home. It was prompted by a report that the Everwines were not providing him with proper care. The victim was taken to NCH Baker Hospital Downtown, where he received care and treatment until his death on Jan. 9.

A Collier County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy lists the manner of death as a homicide. According to detectives, the victim had been receiving weekly home health care from an outside agency. Home health nurses said the victim often complained of pain and did not appear to be receiving his medication. In fact, his medications were often missing despite one of the suspect’s constantly calling for more. Most disturbingly, the nurse said they often arrived to find Rusnack in urine-soaked diapers and bed linens.

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