Mother and Stepfather Accused of Starving Disabled Son for Food Stamps
Authorities found the 33-year-old man severely malnourished and weighing only 88 pounds.
A Rochester, New York, mother and her boyfriend have been arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping after allegedly starving their developmentally disabled adult son to death while stealing his government assistance benefits.
Andrea Livers, 58, and Lancysa Harris were taken into custody in February after authorities discovered Timothy Green, 33, deceased in their Monroe County apartment. First responders noted Green was severely malnourished, weighing 88 pounds, and showed signs of restraint, including handcuffs, and extensive bruising across his body.
Rochester Police Captain Frank Umbrino described the scene as "heart-wrenching," stating that Green's normal weight was approximately 130 pounds, indicating he had been deprived of food for months. Investigators found handcuffs, weights, and numerous cleaning supplies during a search of the apartment, but no clothing or personal belongings belonging to Green.
Green, who was diagnosed with developmental disabilities, moved to Rochester in 2023 after his father's death to live with his biological mother, Livers. Police officials stated that while Green could manage basic self-care, he required assistance with more complex daily tasks.
Livers had previously lost custody of Green as a child due to alleged physical abuse. According to Green's stepmother, Marbrey Green, the family had expressed concerns about Timothy's well-being when he relocated to New York. The family reported losing contact with Green for several months starting in September 2023, only hearing from him briefly in December, at which point they sensed something was amiss.
While living with Livers, she was designated as the payee for Green's Social Security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Investigators found that Green had stopped attending medical appointments, and evidence suggests the couple used his benefits for their own expenses while neglecting to feed him.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Green did not leave the apartment for the 45 days leading up to his death; only Livers and Harris were observed coming and going.
In July, the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Green's death a homicide. Cellphone video evidence later presented in court documents corroborated the medical examiner's findings, showing Green was restrained with handcuffs.
Livers and Harris have been charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping, and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. They were arraigned on Wednesday and are scheduled to appear in court again on September 23. It is unclear if the couple has legal representation.
