One would think that those who work as caretakers for disabled patients would be kindhearted and caring. Unfortunately, there are always bad people who want to exploit and harm others. Isaiah Fields was a caretaker at an Illinois facility named Marklund Hyde Center. Instead of doing his job, he assaulted a 43-year-old woman with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that impairs cognitive, motor, and communication abilities. Sadly, this vulnerable woman became a victim of her own caretaker during her stay at the facility.
While working at the Illinois facility, Isaiah Fields was responsible for caring for the 43-year-old woman, which included bathing, dressing, and feeding her. According to the victim’s mother, the woman had been staying at the facility for over 20 years. Due to her Rett Syndrome, which limits her cognitive ability to that of an infant, it was impossible for her to consent to sexual activity. It was also impossible for her to fight back or report the assault to others.
The assault only came to light when the woman was taken to a hospital for liver and gallbladder tests. There, doctors discovered that she was between 31 and 35 weeks pregnant. Upon learning of the situation, they decided to deliver the baby via Caesarean section the next day. No one had realized she was pregnant due to her distended abdomen. Unfortunately, the baby boy passed away in July 2024 after receiving intensive care for 11 weeks.
The authorities managed to track down the culprit using DNA from the baby. The Illinois caretaker pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault. While the man did not claim innocence, he stated that he was affected by childhood trauma, including drug use and sexual abuse.
For his crime, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison and will be designated as a sex offender upon his release. “Isaiah Fields preyed on this vulnerable victim because of her physical and intellectual disability. While no sentence can undo the harm caused, today’s outcome ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for his despicable act. It also represents justice for the victim, her family, and the Marklund community,” ASA Matt Rodgers wrote.
Those who heard the news were shocked and disgusted. Many believed that the punishment was too light. “Death penalty,” one X user commented. Some even suggested more gruesome punishments, such as beheading and castration. “Not enough time for this heinous crime!!” a Facebook user commented.
