Disabled Youth Abused, Weighs Just 41 Pounds Mother Of 17-Year-Old Boy Charged

Prosecutors on Monday charged a Pasco woman with felony first-degree criminal mistreatment after her disabled 17-year-old son was found in such poor health that he weighed just 41 pounds.

Marcela Chela Lopez, 46, was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail in the Franklin County Jail.

Her son, Randy Lopez, was being treated Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. His condition was listed as stable. No further details were released.

Investigators believe Marcela Lopez was the only adult living with the teen, who has Down syndrome.

Marcela Lopez was arrested after police, who received a tip about the youth’s condition, stopped by the family’s apartment last Wednesday and found him in a bedroom.

Garbage was scattered around the floor, police said.

The boy had lice, and his buttocks were infected with scabies, a skin disease caused by a parasitic mite that burrows under the skin to deposit eggs. Hospital nurses bandaged his hands to keep him from scratching himself.

The teen’s bones were clearly visible beneath his skin, and two small burns were found on his back, court records said.

Two younger children who also were in Marcela Lopez’ care at the apartment appeared to be in good health, authorities said. They have been left in the care of a relative.