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The estate of a woman killed last year at a Rock Hill Assisted living home is suing the facility and several of its employees, alleging that the crime could have been prevented.  Pauline Cook, 82, was found dead in her shower the day after she reported to staff members of the home and police that someone had been forging her checks.

Braquette Walton, a 30-year-old nurse’s assistant who eventually confessed to the crime, was arrested in connection with the killing.  Walton was charged with murder, abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death, burglary and forgery.

Other employees being implicated in connection with the crime allegedly knew of Cook’s suspicions of the forgery and took no immediate actions to prevent the criminal conduct.  At the time of the killing Walton was not scheduled to work, and therefore, had no authorization and was not permitted to be on the premises of the facility.  Nevertheless, Walton managed to bypass several security measures, wrongfully enter the home, and sneak into the victim’s room unnoticed.  There, a violent struggle ensued and Walton ultimately smothered the woman death.  Cook’s lifeless body was then dragged to the shower in an attempt to make it appear as though she accidentally fell while bathing.

Cook’s estate is seeking compensation and punitive damages for wrongful death, negligence and wonton and reckless misconduct.  Walton is being held at Moss Justice Center in York and faces 30 years to life in prison for the murder charge alone.

South Carolina Attorneys: Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP

If the unthinkable happens in your life, call the experienced wrongful death attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP. Our seasoned litigators have over 75 years combined trial experience. Our team of personal injury attorneys include former insurance defense lawyers, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former criminal prosecutor. We can investigate all aspects of a serious accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll free. We have offices in Charlotte and throughout South Carolina. We would be honored to have an opportunity to help you and your family get through this most difficult time in your lives.