A 19-year-old aged care worker has been charged with murder after he allegedly strangled an elderly woman to death in Western Australia.
Monica Mary Stockdale, 70, was found dead at the Baptistcare Bethel facility in Albany on November 28.
Her death was not deemed suspicious at first but after the autopsy results were delivered it was alleged that she was strangled to death.
On Friday, police charged teenager Jacob Hoysted with her murder.
Detective Inspector Quentin Flatman told reporters on Saturday that he is confident this death will “shake the core” of the local community and people across Australia who have loved ones living in aged care facilities.
“In these facilities, people should be expected to be cared for to the highest of degrees,” he said.
Mr Hoysted reportedly worked at the aged care facility up until his arrest and had only been there for 12 months.
He appeared at Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday and did not apply for bail.
Baptistcare acting joint chief executive Amanda Vivian said the tragic death has “shocked everyone who lives and works” at the Bethel Residential Care in Albany.
“Baptistcare would like to express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Miss Monica Stockdale,” she said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved Miss Stockdale.
Baptistcare has said they are unable to make any comment about the charges in relation to the “deeply concerning incident”.
“We are continuing to work closely with the WA Police as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” Ms Vivian said.
“Supporting our Bethel Residential Care residents, employees and their families through this difficult time is our immediate priority.
Members of the Baptistcare leadership team are travelling to Albany and will bring specialist counsellors to provide additional support to anyone who has been affected by the event.