Family of suspect speaks out

A local woman was charged Saturday with murder of a woman she was responsible for taking care of.

Thursday, Fruitland Police responded to the 200 block of Morris St. for a call of a “unattended death”. The body ended up being that of Mary Bonniwell. After arriving on the scene, officers called Maryland State Police in because the death appeared suspicious. Two days later, Becky Long, was charged with her death.

Bonniwell lived with Long’s family in the house and both of Long’s children believe their mother is innocent.

According to police, the autopsy revealed Bonniwell had suffered “multiple injuries” before she died. Both Eric and Dawn Cramer, Long’s children, say she suffered those injuries from falling when she was using her walker. They also say the Bonniwell had been a loving member of their family.

“We adored her, all of us, we loved her. My kids got attached to her, come up to her randomly and give her hugs; say I love you Mary Ellen,” Dawn said.

The family admits Bonniwell was sleeping on the floor in a makeshift bed at the time of her death, but claim that was only because her old bed was ruined and that they planned to replace it.
They say Bonniwell had been diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago and began to give up.

“In the last past days she just, she stopped eating. She wouldn’t eat like she usually does,” Eric said. “I just don’t know why they would sit there and blame my mom for something.”

Maryland State Police could not confirm any cancer diagnosis Sunday.
47 ABC reached out to Bonniwell’s son, but were unable to reach him.

As of Sunday Bonniwell was being held on $1 million bond. Bonniwell is set to appear in court Monday.