Second suspect charged in Oconee Co death

A second suspect is arrested and charged in connection with the December death of an Oconee County man. 61 year-old Sandra Bass is facing misdemeanor charges after the death of 63 year-old Arthur Stanton. His son, 45 year-old David Stanton, is charged with murder. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office says the older Stanton died in what is being called a severe case of neglect. He passed away December 28 at St Mary’s Hospital in Athens.

From the Oconee Co Sheriff’s Office Facebook page...

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged David Allen Stanton, age 45, of Watkinsville, GA with one count of felony murder, one count of reckless conduct, and one count of neglect to a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident. Additionally, Sandra Dee Bass, age 61, of Watkinsville was charged with one count of neglect to a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident. These arrests are the result of a neglect investigation that began on December 27, 2023, which resulted in the subsequent death of Arthur Kenneth Stanton, age 63.

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 0211 hours Oconee County deputies responded to an address on Old Mars Hill Road to assist EMS with a difficulty breathing call. When EMS and deputies entered the home, they found Arthur Kenneth Stanton in extreme medical distress. He required immediate medical transport to the hospital during which CPR had to be administered. It was obvious that Mr. A. Stanton had not been cared for properly for an extended period of time due to his physical condition and the soiled state of his bed and surrounding area. Based on their on-scene investigation, deputies arrested David Allen Stanton for one count of reckless conduct and one count of neglect to a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident. He was transported to the Oconee County Jail where he was held without bail.

On Thursday, December 28, 2023 Arthur Kenneth Stanton died at St. Mary’s Hospital. A subsequent investigation revealed Mr. A. Stanton died as the result of the negligent care he received from his son, David Allen Stanton. The investigation also determined another occupant of the home, Sandra Dee Bass, failed to provide care to Mr. A. Stanton.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2024 a Felony Murder Warrant was issued and served on David Allen Stanton. He remains in custody at the Oconee County Jail. On the same date, a warrant for one count of neglect to a disabled adult, elderly person, or resident was issued for Sandra Dee Bass. She was arrested and transported to the Oconee County Jail.

This case is still under investigation.

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