A 77-year-old South Miami assisted living facility owner, Josephine Gurri, has been charged with the alleged abuse of an elderly woman under her care. Gurri, who also operated the facility out of her residence, is accused of physically abusing an 84-year-old woman with Alzheimer's, as per 7News.
The Good Family Home Inc. where the abuse reportedly took place has permanently closed down, surrendering its license to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Police detailed that disturbing footage shows Gurri striking the victim "in the buttocks and lower back area," a claim that has been supported by video evidence confirmed by South Miami Police. In the unsettling video, the screams of the elderly woman are audible as she was allegedly being hit. According to the victim's granddaughter who spoke to 7News, "She grabs her like a – and she smacks her purposely, like hard."
Following the accusations, family members have hastily moved to relocate their loved ones from the facility, with South Miami Police confirming the removals. Gurri was granted a $1,000 bond and was instructed to stay clear of the alleged victim according to court records, as shown in the coverage by Hoodline. There is now a growing concern about the potential for other victims yet to come forward as South Miami Police Sgt. Fernando Bosch conveyed to 7News, "Our concern is that there are other victims that haven't come forward yet."
As police continue to investigate whether this was a one-time incident or part of a larger pattern of abuse, the community reacts with horror. "It's stomach-turning to see that video," Bosch added. The victim has since been moved to live with family members, away from the facility where the alleged abuse occurred. Josephine Gurri has been removed from her position at Riviera Presbyterian Church, where she was listed as a staff member and nursery caregiver. As the investigation unfolds, access to Gurri has been restricted, with reports of her unwillingness to provide an on-camera statement following attempts from 7News to reach out at her home.
