"My husband and I need help," said the tearful voice on the other
end of the line.
An appointment was made for later that day for Mr. and Mrs.
Billingsley to meet with an LAS staff attorney specializing in elder
abuse.
"He told us if we don't stay out of his face, he
will kill us in our sleep. He has even threatened to burn our house
down."
Mr. Billingsley related the story of their middle-aged son's history
of mental illness and drug abuse. "Junior" had spent the last decade in
and out of jail. When not in jail, Junior took up residence in the
Billingsley's detached garage and backyard which he has filled with so
much junk that his parents cannot safely enter either space.
When asked why they allowed their son to remain on the property,
Mrs. Billingsley confided to the attorney that she and her husband were
constantly threatened by their son. "He told us if we don't stay out of
his face, he will kill us in our sleep. He has even threatened to burn
our house down."
Junior's behavior became more aggressive over time. Three months
ago, brandishing a metal pipe, he chased his sixty-eight year old
mother out of the yard. The Billingsleys knew they had to do
something.
A relative insisted they contact Legal Assistance for Seniors, and
Mrs. Billingsley placed the call.
Our attorney represented the couple in court where they were both
granted three-year restraining orders. She worked with the police
department to provide increased patrols in the Billingsley's
neighborhood, and had an officer available when Junior was allowed to
pick up his belongings from the Billingsley's home.
Mr. and Mrs. Billingsley may never experience complete peace of
mind, but they have spent the summer relaxing and gardening in their
own backyard.
Just one story among so many.
(To protect the privacy of our clients, names and
identifying details have been changed.)
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon June 27
