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Family charged in abuse of elderly woman

Five family members from Fall River have been charged for allegedly leaving their 80-year-old mother and grandmother in a reclining chair for over a month soaking in her own urine and feces.

The woman was in critical condition Wednesday. Prosecutors said she had a bacterial infection in her bloodstream and severe bedsores, including one so deep that tendons could be seen through her decomposing skin. Police found the woman Saturday after a family member called 911. A spokesman for Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter said paramedics found the woman in a recliner, in and out of consciousness and covered with bed sores.

The victim's daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren were arrested Monday on charges of permitting injury to an elderly or disabled person. Their lawyers did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

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