Pierce County caregiver gets 18 years for failing to treat large bed sores that killed man

TACOMA – A Pierce County caregiver was sentenced to 18 years in prison Thursday for what medical professionals said was one of the worst cases of neglect they had seen.

Larry Lee, 51, was convicted of second degree murder on June 15 in the death of 59-year-old Philip Carter.

Carter, who suffered from mild mental impairment, was admitted to the hospital in May 2015 after Lee found him unresponsive.

Doctors at Good Samaritan Hospital found several large, deep bed sores, the worst of which measured 8x13 inches and ran down to the bone. The sores were packed with paper towels.

Prosecutors said Lee’s failure to treat the sores properly or seek medical health led to an infection that caused Carter’s death hours after he checked into the hospital.

Deputies who responded to the hospital at the time said the smell of rotting flesh in Carter’s room was overwhelming.

Lee had been paid to take care of Carter for several years.