A Watkinsville man faces murder and neglect charges in the death of his 63-year-old father, authorities said. According to reports from FOX 5 Atlanta, 45-year-old David Allen Stanton and 61-year-old Sandra Dee Bass were arrested following the death of Stanton's father, Arthur Kenneth Stanton, who was found in a state of severe medical distress on December 27, 2023.
Deputies responded to a distress call at an address on Old Mars Hill Road in Oconee County to find the elder Stanton barely alive and quickly administered CPR. Despite their efforts to swiftly transport him to St. Mary’s Hospital, he passed away the following day. The home's condition was reported to be unsanitary, signaling a failure to properly care for the senior Stanton. David Allen Stanton was subsequently charged with felony murder, reckless conduct, and neglect of a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident. Bass was charged with neglect of a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident, as described in details obtained by WSB-TV.
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office has disclosed that the evidence gathered suggests the victim's death was a direct result of negligent care by his son. The investigation into the case uncovered that not only David Allen Stanton but also Sandra Dee Bass had a role in failing to provide necessary care for Arthur Kenneth Stanton. David Stanton is currently being held without bail, as further reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Officials are continuing to thoroughly investigate to entirely unravel the circumstances behind Arthur Stanton's untimely demise. Currently, both David Allen Stanton and Sandra Dee Bass remain behind bars in the Oconee County Jail.
