Son Charged In Connection With 91-Year Old Mother’s Death
By Brevard County Sheriff // May 30, 2014
Michael Moritz Arrested By Sheriff's Agents
ABOVE MAP: Dolores Moritz, 91, was found dead on May 10 at 319 Banyan Way in Melbourne Beach. According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the victim’s son, Michael Moritz, was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of an Elderly Person and Neglect of Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.
Autopsy Determined Victim Died Due To Lack of Care
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Michael Moritz, 66, has been arrested by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the death of his is 91-year-old mother, Dolores Moritz.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Moritz was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of an Elderly Person and Neglect of Elderly Person or Disabled Adult. He was taken to the Brevard County Jail where he is being held on a $3,000 bond.
The investigation began on Saturday, May 10, after a family member living in Ohio called and reported a death had occurred.
The Melbourne Beach Police Department responded to 319 Banyan Way in Melbourne Beach, and a preliminary investigation discovered a 91-year-old female resident of the home was deceased.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the responding Melbourne Beach police officers found the residence in a deplorable condition, and the victim appeared to be in an emaciated state and was found lying in feces and urine.
Upon observing the conditions surrounding the victim and her death, Melbourne Beach requested the assistance of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
During the investigation, the victim’s son, Michael Moritz was interviewed and acknowledged he was the primary caregiver for his mother. Evidence recovered during the interview and at the residence indicated neglect may have led to the death of the victim.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy where it was determined that the victim died due to a lack of care. Moritz was arrested after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Agent Joe Martin of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest.
