Arlington, TX — Authorities in Arlington, Texas are probing the deaths of over 20 individuals linked to a local assisted living care provider, igniting concerns about safety and regulatory oversights in community-based healthcare services.
In a statement released by Arlington police on Thursday, it was revealed that since September 2022, multiple deaths have occurred among clients of “Love & Caring for People LLC,” operated by Regla “Su” Becquer. The facility is suspected of providing inadequate care leading to unsafe conditions.
Becquer, 49, was arrested in March on charges related to abandoning or endangering an individual with imminent risk of bodily injury. The escalation of the investigation followed reports of neglect, abuse, and fraud within the care facility. The intensity of these allegations prompted an expanded inquiry which now involves both the local Behavioral Health Unit and the Homicide Unit.
Lt. Kimberly Harris of Arlington Police expressed deep concern regarding the operations observed at the facility. “The extent of disregard we’ve encountered goes beyond disappointment; it’s alarming,” Harris stated.
The situation further intensified when, on June 20, police charged Becquer with murder following the death of Steven Kelly Pankratz. Reports indicate that Pankratz, who was under Becquer’s supervision, died due to mixed drug toxicity from medications he was not prescribed. Authorities are currently examining if this case is indicative of a broader pattern of criminal negligence.
These inquiries have been complicated by the fact that most clients had been cremated or buried by the time the deaths were reported, presenting significant challenges to the investigation. Nevertheless, discoveries from two autopsies performed have been crucial in advancing current homicide investigations.
“We believe there was knowledge and intent in administering unneeded medications,” said Tim Ciesco, spokesperson for the Arlington PD, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations.
The operator remains held at Tarrant County Jail with bail set at $1.5 million.
This case highlights potential systemic issues within the state’s oversight of home-based healthcare operations, suggesting the possibility of revisiting and tightening regulatory measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the probe continues to unveil more about the operations at “Love & Caring for People LLC,” community members and local officials await further developments to understand the full scope of this tragedy and ensure such negligence does not occur again.