Louisiana Health Care Worker Burned Patient with Barbecue Lighter, Claimed Injuries Were ‘Wasp Bites,’ Deputies Say
ASSUMPTION PARISH, LOUISIANA — A Louisiana health care attendant is behind bars after allegedly burning a patient with a barbecue-style lighter and then lying to the victim’s family by claiming the injuries were caused by “wasp bites,” according to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say 36-year-old Markus Stadium was charged with cruelty to the infirmed after the disturbing case of abuse came to light earlier this month at a health care facility in Assumption Parish, located west of New Orleans.
Family Grew Suspicious After Multiple ‘Wasp Bite’ Injuries
Authorities said the patient, whose name has not been released, was being treated at the facility when family members began to notice multiple suspicious wounds on his body.
Stadium reportedly told the victim’s relatives that the injuries were caused by wasp stings, but family members quickly grew skeptical. Deputies said the “nature and frequency of the injuries” did not align with that explanation.
“On October 6, the health care organization contacted law enforcement, reporting that the patient may be the victim of abuse,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
When investigators interviewed medical personnel, they learned the victim had been “burned on multiple occasions throughout his body.”
Investigators Find Evidence of Lighter Burns
Detectives later determined that the burns were not from insects at all — but from a barbecue-style grill lighter. Evidence reportedly showed that Stadium had intentionally burned the patient multiple times.
The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office said a warrant was issued for Stadium’s arrest following the discovery.
He turned himself in to authorities on October 22 and was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond.
Facility Under Review as Investigation Continues
Authorities have not publicly identified the facility where the alleged abuse occurred, but said the organization immediately contacted law enforcement once concerns were raised.
The investigation is ongoing to determine how long the abuse occurred and whether any other residents were affected.
The Louisiana Department of Health is expected to conduct a parallel review to assess compliance and safety protocols at the facility.
Cases like this highlight the importance of vigilance when caring for vulnerable loved ones. If you suspect elder or patient abuse, contact local law enforcement or the National Adult Protective Services Association hotline at 1-800-677-1116. Stay informed with the latest public safety news on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.