Authorities: Caretaker nearly kills mentally-handicapped patient

CASAR, N.C. — Investigators discovered a mentally-handicapped man who they said may have been beaten for days, and nearly killed by his own caretaker.
 
Charles Newton is facing half-a-dozen charges Thursday, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and kidnapping.
 
The Department of Social Services visited Newton's home on Dirty Ankle Road in Casar during a welfare check.
 
They found his cousin, who Newton cares for, with severe injuries, including broken bones and bruises.

"This is a sad situation. Thank God someone called when they did, or this could have been a homicide investigation," said Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman in a news release.

To see more local news stories, click here.

WSOC