Caregiver charged in woman’s death

A Wicomico County woman is behind bars on a one million dollar bond after she was arrested in connection with the death of a woman whom she was caring for, according to Maryland State Police.

44-year-old Fruitland woman Becky Long was arrested Saturday after Fruitland Police responded to the 200-block of Morris Street for a report of an “unattended death” on Thursday morning.

Police say they found the victim, 56-year-old Mary Bonniwell, and later requested assistance from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit to assume the lead on the investigation because the death reportedly appeared suspicious.

Authorities tell 47 ABC the preliminary investigation indicates Long and Bonniwell lived at the same home, where Long was the caregiver of Bonniwell for over a year.

According to police reports, an autopsy indicated multiple injuries causing the death to be ruled as a homicide.

Police say they interviewed several nearby residents after consulting with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Long is currently being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center and faces charges including second degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, manslaughter, first degree abuse of vulnerable adult and second degree abuse of a vulnerable adult. 

Authorities say this investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to review evidence and obtain test results.