Son’s charges upgraded to murder after bedridden woman dies at Charleston hospital

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A bedridden woman who was discovered to be suffering from a broken hip and severe maggot-infested bed sores has died days have she was removed from a Charleston County home.

The 88-year-old woman’s son, Salvador Gonzales Rivera, was arrested on Tuesday following a welfare check at his Hoss Road home. His mother was found lying in a bed of her urine and feces.

The woman was taken to a local hospital where a doctor determined that she was emaciated and had bed sores on both of her legs that were infested with maggots eating her flesh, according to an affidavit from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. She also had a broken hip that likely went untreated for a long time.

Consuelo Gonzalez, 88, from Puerto Rico died Wednesday while receiving treatment at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.

Rivera was initially charged with ‘exploitation of a vulnerable adult’ which has since been upgraded to murder. He remains at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office said the cause and manner of death are pending as they await autopsy and further studies.