Phoenix man accused of starving 21-year-old daughter to death, police say
A Phoenix man who acted as caretaker for his disabled 21-year-old daughter has been charged in her death after authorities allege he allowed her to starve to death.
Richard Comer, 46, is being held on suspicion of second-degree murder, vulnerable adult abuse and animal abuse following the death of his daughter, Vanessa Comer, last July, according to NBC News. The network reported that the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner recently ruled the young woman's death a homicide.
The Arizona Republic reported that Phoenix police officials allege Comer brought his daughter to a hospital on July 7, 2018, suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration. She died that same day.
Vanessa Comer, who had an undisclosed serious medical condition, was completely dependent on her father for her care, the Republic said. Investigators believe he withheld care from her for at least three months before she died.
Two malnourished and dehydrated dogs were also found in the mobile home Richard Comer shared with his daughter, the newspaper reported.
Richard Comer was arrested Friday and charged in his daughter’s death. He is being held in the Maricopa County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond.
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