A devastating incident at the Avenue at Warrensville Care and Rehabilitation Center has resulted in charges against a nurse, Amber Henderson, 31. The charges follow the tragic death of 84-year-old Alvera Mary Meuti, who was found unresponsive outside the facility on December 24, 2024.
Meuti’s cause of death was determined to be environmental exposure and hypothermia by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. Authorities state that the incident highlights a severe lapse in care.
Henderson faces three charges: involuntary manslaughter, tampering with records, and gross patient neglect. She was arraigned in Bedford Municipal Court on January 16, and her case has been referred to the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury. Henderson is currently out on bond.
The timeline of events raises significant concerns. According to the police report, Meuti was last seen at 8:40 p.m. on December 23, when she was given her medication. A new nurse, assigned at 9 p.m., reportedly checked her room around 9:30 p.m. and noticed she was missing. However, the nurse assumed Meuti was visiting with her brother and did not raise the alarm until 6:30 a.m. the next day—nearly ten hours later.
When staff initiated a “code purple” for a missing resident, they discovered Meuti on the facility’s North side patio, lying unresponsive. Despite CPR efforts and transport to South Pointe Hospital, she was pronounced dead.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about patient care standards at long-term care facilities. Residents at such centers are often vulnerable, and any lapse in oversight can lead to tragic outcomes.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of accountability in caregiving. Authorities continue their investigation, aiming to ensure justice for Alvera Meuti and her grieving family.
