Arlington, Texas — More than 20 individuals linked to a Texas-based assisted living care facility have tragically died since September 2022, prompting a multifaceted investigation by local police into the facility and its owner, authorities announced. The operator, identified as Regla “Su” Becquer, faces charges connecting to one of the deaths and allegations of abuse and neglect.
Becquer, who operated “Love & Caring for People LLC,” was initially charged in March with abandoning and endangering an individual in imminent danger of bodily injury. As the investigation has unfolded, it appears that Becquer’s management extended to various community living homes across Texas. Allegations against her and her business have since ballooned to include neglect, inadequate care, theft, fraud, and abuse.
The expanding probe into these incidents has significantly worsened the picture initially painted of the care provided by Becquer’s facility. Lt. Kimberly Harris from the Arlington Police Department expressed severe concerns about the situation. “After what we’ve uncovered, it seems quite apparent that the welfare of those in her care was severely compromised. We believe there is much more yet to be revealed in this disturbing situation,” Harris explained.
Most of the deceased clients were already cremated, buried, or their bodies were donated to science, complicating efforts to determine the exact causes of death. However, autopsies were performed on two of the bodies. One of these autopsies led to further charges against Becquer. On Thursday, police formally accused her of murder following the death of one of her clients, Steven Kelly Pankratz, who allegedly died from mixed drug toxicity under her supervision.
Authorities claim that Becquer administered non-prescribed medication to Pankratz, directly contributing to his death. “It seems she knowingly provided Mr. Pankratz with medications that had no lawful prescription, leading directly to his fatality,” remarked police spokesperson Tim Ciesco.
Becquer is currently detained in the Tarrant County Jail with her bond set at $1.5 million.
The case has also led to coordination between different units of the Arlington Police Department. The Behavioral Health Unit has joined forces with the Homicide Unit to examine the circumstances of the deaths more closely, looking for any possible foul play among the other cases.
The deaths and the subsequent revelations about the conditions at the assisted living facility have rattled the community and highlighted significant concerns over the oversight of such institutions. As authorities dig deeper into the operations of “Love & Caring for People LLC,” the focus intensifies on ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again and that justice is served for vulnerable individuals who were placed under Becquer’s care.
Further updates and findings from the ongoing investigation are awaited as the story continues to unfold, leaving local residents and family members of the deceased seeking answers and accountability.