MSP Press Release 7-20-15

Caregiver Arrested In Wicomico Woman’s Death July 20, 2015

(FRUITLAND, MD) – Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a Wicomico County woman, in connection with the death of a woman whom she was caring for, late Saturday afternoon.

The suspect is identified as Becky A. Long, 44, of the 200-block of Morris Street., Fruitland, Md. After consultation with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police investigators have charged Long with second degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, manslaughter, first degree abuse of vulnerable adult and second degree abuse of a vulnerable adult. She is currently being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center on a one million dollar bond.

The victim is identified as Mary E. Bonniwell, 56, of the same address. Bonniwell’s death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy was completed by members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, Maryland on July 17, 2015.

In the early morning hours on Thursday, July 16, 2015, the Fruitland Police Department received a call from someone who reported an unattended death. After arriving on scene, officers summoned the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit to assume the lead on the investigation because the death appeared suspicious. Investigators with the assistance of members of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation secured the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates Long and Bonniwell lived at the same residence. Long was the caregiver Bonniwell for over a year. The autopsy indicated multiple injuries causing the death to be ruled a homicide.

State Police investigators executed several search warrant and interviewed others in the residence. Based on the findings and after consulting with the Wicomico States Attorney’s office, chargers were placed against Becky Long. She was arrested without incident.

Crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Division responded to collect items of evidential value. This investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to review evidence and obtain test results.