In Gastonia, North Carolina, the police have arrested two individuals following the tragic death of Aaliyah Fortner, a 23-year-old woman with disabilities. The charges against these individuals include abuse and neglect, with both accused of contributing to the events leading to Aaliyah’s untimely demise.

Court documents reveal that Marlo Wallace and Vera Williams face serious allegations, including patient abuse, neglect, and assault on a person with a disability. Additionally, Wallace is charged with attempting to conceal Fortner’s death.

According to an arrest warrant, on October 24, 2025, Wallace inflicted harm on Fortner, striking her head and body with her hands and possibly an unidentified weapon. The court records further detail a series of assaults by Wallace earlier in the month, on October 2. These included hitting Aaliyah with objects, pushing her, using a taser, and aggressively kicking and stomping on her head.

Aaliyah, who was non-verbal, was discovered deceased in a residence on Greenbrook Trail last month. Her stepmother, Candy Fortner, shared with WCNC Charlotte that Aaliyah had been living in this home alongside others with disabilities. The family had utilized state resources to find what they hoped would be a supportive and caring placement for Aaliyah, only to be met with this devastating reality.

Williams’ arrest warrant states, on Oct. 7, 2025, she assaulted Fortner on multiple occasions “by hitting Aaliyah with objects, pushing her to the ground, and breaking a broom by hitting Aaliyah with it” and also used a taser “to shock Aaliyah then held Aaliyah to the floor by her head.”

Both suspects are currently in jail. Wallace is being held on a $1.5 million bond and Williams on a $1 million bond, according to jail records.

Fortner’s death investigation began after an October 26 crash involving Wallace. District Attorney Travis Page calls it “an ongoing investigation.”