NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — The husband-and-wife operators of a residential care facility in the Park Circle neighborhood of North Charleston are facing escalating felony charges after investigators identified additional victims of alleged neglect, including a second resident who died while in their care, according to the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.
Cynthia Kelly, 58, and Reginald V. Kelly, 60, who operated Park Circle Home at 1133 Bexley Street, each face five felony counts that include abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death, two counts of neglect of a vulnerable adult, and two counts of kidnapping, according to an announcement from Attorney General Alan Wilson. If convicted on all charges, the couple could face up to 100 years in prison, as reported by Live 5 News.
How the Case Unfolded
The investigation centers on the death of Thaddeus Moose, 64, of Charleston, who died on April 14, 2025, at Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Hospital, according to the Charleston County Coroner's Office. Chief Deputy Coroner Brittney Martin determined the cause of death was septic shock, bronchopneumonia, and dehydration stemming from multiple stage 4 decubitus ulcers with osteomyelitis attributed to medical neglect, as reported by Live 5 News. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Stage 4 decubitus ulcers — commonly known as bedsores — represent the most severe category of pressure injuries, where tissue damage extends through the skin and underlying fat to expose muscle or bone. The presence of osteomyelitis indicates the infection had reached the bone itself. Federal and state care facility regulations require operators to provide adequate medical care, nutrition, and repositioning to prevent such wounds from developing or worsening.
According to the Attorney General's Office, the alleged neglect of Moose occurred between June 12, 2024, and April 10, 2025 — a period of roughly ten months. Investigators allege the Kellys failed to provide essential care including food, clothing, medication, shelter, supervision, and medical treatment to residents in their facility.
The case expanded significantly on March 3, 2026, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Bexley Street facility. During that search, investigators from the Attorney General's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit, the North Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston County Coroner's Office discovered two additional vulnerable adults locked in a room with no means of exit, according to the Attorney General's announcement. That discovery formed the basis for the kidnapping charges, as confining the individuals allegedly created a substantial risk of physical or mental harm.
Additional Victims Identified
On March 19, 2026, additional arrest warrants were served on the Kellys after investigators identified a second victim who died while under their care at Park Circle Home, as reported by Live 5 News. Details regarding the identity and circumstances surrounding the second death have not been publicly released as of this reporting.
Cynthia Kelly also faces a separate count of abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in great bodily injury involving a third victim. According to Live 5 News, the alleged neglect of that individual occurred between February 24, 2026, and March 3, 2026 — the same day investigators executed the search warrant.
The Post and Courier, Charleston's major daily newspaper, reported that the case has drawn significant public attention as one of the region's top public safety stories. Multiple state agencies assisted in removing remaining residents from the facility following the arrests, according to reporting from Live 5 News.
South Carolina Community Residential Care Facilities
Community residential care facilities in South Carolina are licensed by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control to provide room, board, and varying levels of personal care to residents who do not require the level of care provided in a nursing home. These facilities serve vulnerable adults who may need assistance with daily activities, medication management, and supervision.
South Carolina law defines a vulnerable adult as a person 18 years or older who has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs the person from adequately providing for their own care or protection. Under state law, abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death carries a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment. Each kidnapping count carries an additional maximum of 30 years.
The Attorney General's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit, which led the investigation alongside local law enforcement, is specifically tasked with investigating and prosecuting cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation occurring in care facilities across the state.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones in residential care facilities in South Carolina or elsewhere who have concerns about the quality of care can contact the following resources:
- National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center: 1-800-677-1116 — This federally supported hotline connects callers with their state ombudsman program, which advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. - South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Families can file complaints regarding care facilities through the state ombudsman's office or through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's licensing division. - Online resources: The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center at [ltcombudsman.org](https://ltcombudsman.org) provides guidance on residents' rights, how to file complaints, and how to identify warning signs of neglect or abuse in care settings.
Experts in elder care advise families to visit facilities unannounced, observe the condition and demeanor of residents, and ask direct questions about staffing levels and care protocols. Any suspicion of abuse or neglect should be reported immediately to both the facility administration and to state authorities.