Sacramento, CA – A 41-year-old caregiver has been arrested and charged with homicide after police discovered the body of a 59-year-old man with cerebral palsy inside his Sacramento apartment, nearly two weeks after he was reported missing. Authorities say the caregiver, Christina Cowens, not only killed the man but attempted to conceal his death and committed fraud-related crimes in the process.
The Incident: Disabled Man Reported Missing, Later Found Dead
The victim, Richard McClintic, was reported missing on October 25 after his family was unable to reach him for several days. McClintic lived in an apartment on San Juan Road and had limited mobility due to cerebral palsy.
Family members said they became alarmed when they started receiving Facebook messages that “didn’t sound like him.” When they visited his apartment, Cowens—his longtime caregiver—answered the door but refused to let them inside, raising further suspicions.
Police conducted a welfare check the same day but did not locate McClintic. The investigation remained open as a missing persons case.
Investigation and Discovery of the Body
On November 6, detectives executed a search warrant at McClintic’s apartment. Inside, they found his body concealed within the residence, leading to Cowens’ immediate arrest.
She was initially charged with:
- Unlawful disposal of human remains
- Grand theft
- Attempt to conceal a death
After the autopsy, investigators added homicide and additional fraud-related charges. Police have not yet released the cause of death or possible motive for the killing.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Cowens is currently facing a combination of homicide and criminal fraud charges, and authorities say more charges could be filed as the investigation continues. She is scheduled to return to court on November 24.
Detectives say Cowens had been caring for McClintic “for years,” assisting him due to limited control over the right side of his body. However, concerns grew when she blocked family members from seeing him in person.
Family Reactions: “What We Expected All Along”
McClintic’s nephew, Brandon Klagenberg, said he had always maintained close contact with his uncle, especially after the passing of his sister. He said communication abruptly changed, and messages from McClintic’s Facebook account didn’t match his usual tone or grammar.
When Cowens refused to let them inside the apartment, Klagenberg said the family feared the worst:
“This is what we expected all along.”
He described his uncle as deeply resilient, independent despite his disabilities, and a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
“This is the will of somebody who is extremely resilient and overcome his conditions in life,” Klagenberg said.
“To know that someone is capable of doing this to a disabled person in my uncle’s condition is just outrageous.”
The family is now searching for answers and a sense of closure as the investigation moves forward.
Background and Context: Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
Cases involving violence against disabled or dependent adults are often complex. Under California law, caregivers are held to a high standard of responsibility, and crimes involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals can carry enhanced penalties.
Experts note that individuals with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience abuse, with caregivers or trusted individuals sometimes becoming perpetrators. Advocates say the case underscores the need for regular welfare checks and stronger oversight for at-risk adults.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Police have not released further details about the method of concealment or whether Cowens attempted to obstruct the investigation. Authorities continue reviewing digital records, financial activity, and communication logs to determine whether McClintic’s death was part of a broader pattern of exploitation.
Cowens remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Conclusion
The death of Richard McClintic has left his family devastated and the community shocked. As investigators work to determine exactly what happened inside his apartment, relatives are calling for justice for a man they describe as gentle, resilient, and undeserving of such violence.
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