Written by: JR Robinson

Bernice Jarrett, a 61-year-old caregiver, now faces an increased bond of $250,000 following allegations that she neglected six vulnerable adults—five with intellectual disabilities and one with dementia—while transporting them in a bus under inhumane conditions. One of the individuals has since died, though authorities have not confirmed if it was the passenger previously reported in critical condition.

Details of the Case

• Discovery: Memphis Police responded to a medical call at a Goodyear shop on Union Avenue, finding a yellow bus with a trailer containing three goats. Inside, six adults were living without food, water, or proper sanitation.
• Injuries and Neglect: One passenger had suffered critical injuries from another individual the day before but had not received medical attention. All were malnourished, wearing soiled clothing, and hospitalized—one in critical condition.
• Jarrett’s Role: She admitted to being their caregiver but stayed in hotels overnight, leaving the adults and goats unattended on the bus during a trip from Texas to Virginia.

Legal Ramifications

• Charges: Jarrett initially faced six counts of neglect and five counts of aggravated neglect, totaling 11 felonies. The Shelby County DA’s office confirmed the death, which could lead to additional charges.
• Bond Increase: Prosecutors successfully argued for a higher bond due to the severity of the case and potential flight risk.

Broader Implications

Cases like this highlight systemic failures in caregiver oversight, particularly for vulnerable adults. Similar incidents have led to calls for stricter background checks and monitoring of transport conditions for disabled individuals. Across the country, there is a growing concern about the lack of oversight for caregivers, which can lead to neglect and even death. For instance, in-home caregivers often operate with minimal supervision, creating environments where abuse can go undetected.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities determine if further charges will be filed. Meanwhile, advocacy groups urge reforms to prevent such negligence in caregiving systems nationwide. Vulnerable adult abuse, including neglect and abandonment, remains a significant public health issue, with many cases going unreported due to social isolation and dependency of the victims.