August 29, 2007

Police in Albemarle County are investigating an attempted homicide at an assisted living facility.

51-year-old Phyllis Powell Spangler of Charlottesville has been charged in the case.

Police say Spangler was visiting her mother at The Laurels of Charlottesville Tuesday evening when the alleged incident occurred.

The 94-year-old mother was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center to be treated for her injuries. There is no word on her condition.

Authorities have released little information regarding the circumstances surounding the elleged incident but police sources tell us the mother was found with bruising on her face and nose.

Police are still investigating and say additional charges are pending for allegedly making threats against the Laurel's staff.

A judge in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Wednesday denied Spangler bond depsite her pleas that she could not spend another night in jail on the cold floor.

The Laurels of Charlottesville issued the following statement concerning the incident:

"The Laurels of Charlottesville honors the privacy of their residents. It is due to these professional practices that the information that can be shared is limited.

On the evening of Tuesday, August 28th, 2007, there was an incident that took place between a resident and their family member, where the resident's safety was in question. Staff intervened quickly, assuring the safety of the resident and calling the appropriate authorities. Albemarle County Police responded and arrived at the facility shortly thereafter.

Facility staff will complete a thorough investigation and review of the incident as is protocol, reporting to the appropriate agencies. Further information willl be made available by the appropriate agencies."

Spangler will next appear in court on September 17, 2007.