An 18-year-old man with autism was found covered in scars, burns and other injuries inside a Yanceyville hotel room, and now the couple responsible for his care is facing felony charges, according to deputies. Investigators allege another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care had similar wounds, and deputies say three minors were also found sharing the same hotel room. The pair, identified in court documents as Adrian Forrest Thomas and Marcie Samantha Thomas, now face charges that include assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and felony abuse or neglect of a person with disabilities.
What investigators say
According to the Charlotte Observer, a medical exam and a court warrant describe “knife burns” over the victim’s “entire body,” along with “whipping marks and scars from metal clothes hangers and charging cords.” The warrant also attributes additional cuts and scabs to beatings with “a metal long rod,” and notes the victim suffered hearing loss from blows to the head. The paper reports the couple was arrested at the Executive Inn in Yanceyville and that the sheriff’s office relayed the information in a news release.
Charges and law
Prosecutors have charged the two with offenses that carry felony exposure under state law, including an assault tied to a deadly weapon and a count for abusing or neglecting a person with a disability. Under the North Carolina General Assembly, assault with a deadly weapon that inflicts serious injury is punishable as a felony, and the statutes include heightened classifications for assaults on individuals with disabilities. Those statutory categories will guide how the Caswell County district attorney evaluates the case as investigators and prosecutors review evidence and warrants.
Wider context
Advocates and researchers say violence against people with disabilities is an underreported but persistent problem. Federal data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics show people with disabilities suffer violent victimization at much higher rates than those without disabilities, particularly people with cognitive impairments. Experts note that dependence on caregivers, communication barriers and underreporting can make detection and prosecution more difficult.
How to report and what comes next
The Caswell County sheriff’s office said the arrests followed its investigation; officials have not released further details about arraignment dates or bond. Those with concerns can contact the county Department of Social Services' Adult Services unit; Caswell County lists intake contacts and supervisors on its website. The North Carolina Department of Justice and state adult protective services also maintain hotlines and guidance for reporting suspected abuse of disabled adults.
Caswell County authorities say the investigation remains active and charges could evolve as prosecutors review the full record. Court filings and official notices will determine the next steps; Hoodline will monitor public records for updates.
