July 30, 2023
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that Southern Ohio Medical Center contacted his Office on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 advising of a patient that was brought in for treatment and that there were concerns of possible abuse.
Detectives responded to the hospital to obtain photographic evidence of the reported injuries and to observe the physical condition of the victim. A person of interest was interviewed, then arrested for Failure to Provide for a Functionally Impaired Adult, a felony of the 4th degree. The victim was admitted to Southern Ohio Medical Center and later transferred to Hospice for care.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the suspect appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at which time he signed his own bond. On 07-29-2023 detectives were notified that the victim had passed away as a result of her injuries due to neglect. The suspect was re-arrested on Saturday, July 29, 2023 on an additional charge.
Arrested was Matthew Vansickle, age 58, of Franklin Furnace, Ohio. Vansickle has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony of the 1st degree and is currently being held on a $ 50,000 bond. He will appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday,July 31st on his new charge.
The victim has been identified as Patricia Vansickle, age 79, of Franklin Furnace, Ohio.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation that could result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury on a later date.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091.