Caregiver Accused of Using Lighter on Patient, Claims Wasps Were to Blame: Police Report

Markus Stadium, aged 36, has been charged with “cruelty to the infirmed,” as stated by the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office in their recent announcement on Wednesday. The incident in question reportedly took place earlier this month.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was admitted to a healthcare facility in Assumption Parish, a region situated west of New Orleans. During their stay, Stadium, who served as a healthcare attendant at the facility, allegedly informed the family that the patient had “been bitten by wasps,” according to information from the sheriff’s office.

Authorities noted that family members expressed skepticism about this explanation due to both the nature and frequency of the injuries. On October 6, the healthcare institution reached out to the sheriff’s office, raising concerns that the patient “may be the victim of abuse.”

Family members were skeptical, according to authorities, for two reasons. There was the “nature” of the injuries, as well as the “frequency” of the injuries. On Oct. 6, the health care organization contacted the sheriff’s office, reporting that the patient “may be the victim of abuse.”

Investigators spoke with medical personnel, “who indicated the victim was burned on multiple occasions throughout his body,” the law enforcement agency said. The investigation continued — and found an alleged cause of the burns. There was reportedly evidence of “Stadium burning the victim with a barbecue grill type lighter.”

An arrest warrant was subsequently secured for the suspect, and he is said to have turned himself in to the Assumption Parish Detention Center on Tuesday. He is being held on a $1 million bond.