Richmond, VA — On Monday, December 30, Kamesha Kittrell, the former Director of Nursing at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, was granted bond in connection with the death of an elderly resident at the facility. Kittrell is one of 18 individuals named in the case, which has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the charges and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the resident’s death.
The victim, who passed away in late October, was discharged from the nursing center shortly before her death. Investigators believe she was subjected to significant abuse and neglect during her time at the facility. Kittrell, who had not worked at the nursing home since August, turned herself in after learning about the warrant for her arrest. She is one of four people facing felony charges of abuse and neglect resulting in death, while several other employees are accused of lesser offenses, such as falsifying records.
During the bond hearing, the court learned more about Kittrell’s personal background. Raised without parents, Kittrell earned her G.E.D. on her own and pursued a career in nursing. A foster mother to four children, she now finds herself facing legal charges that could have serious consequences for her future.
While Kittrell was not directly involved in patient care at the time of the alleged abuse, prosecutors argue that as the Director of Nursing, she was responsible for overseeing the actions of her staff and preventing abuse. The prosecution cited an incident in which the elderly patient was allegedly “poisoned” by receiving the wrong medication. Additionally, the patient was reported to have an injured foot and bed sores, further suggesting neglect.
Kittrell’s attorney, however, argued that his client was caught in the middle of a difficult situation and was more of a manager than an active participant in the abuse. The defense suggested that Kittrell had little control over the actions of individual staff members.
In ruling on the bond, the judge acknowledged Kittrell’s previous failures to appear in court in 2009 and 2010 but determined that she was not a flight risk. However, concerned that she could pose a danger to the community, the judge set strict conditions for her release. Kittrell is prohibited from interacting with other defendants, from returning to the nursing facility, and from working in healthcare for the time being.
Following the hearing, Kittrell’s family expressed relief at the outcome. Although they declined to speak on camera, family members shared their gratitude with reporters, noting that they were thankful to God for the decision.
The case, which is still in its early stages, is expected to involve graphic evidence, with prosecutors hinting that disturbing images will be presented at future hearings. Defendants are scheduled to return to court in March, where the full scope of the investigation and the emotional toll on all those involved will likely become clearer.
