Martinez: Couple arrested in neglect-related death of woman's father

MARTINEZ (BCN) Two Martinez residents have been arrested on suspicion of homicide after a 77-year-old man in their care died last week of apparent neglect, police said Tuesday.

Officers and medical personnel responded to the 200 block of Escondido Drive, near the Martinez Reservoir, just before 10:30 a.m. Thursday on report of a man who had stopped breathing, and the victim was already dead when they arrived.

After investigators determined that the death was likely caused by neglect, police arrested two adults living at the residence with the decedent. Edmund Phillip St. John, 49, and 50-year-old Laura Ann Lawrence were both booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on suspicion of manslaughter, elder abuse and child cruelty. 

Police said Tuesday evening the suspects have since been charged with additional offenses, but that could not immediately be confirmed with prosecutors. 

The case remains under investigation, and police are asking anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Sgt. Moore at (925) 372-3450.