We previously discussed the horrific crime of the impregnating of a woman in a vegetative state at the Hacienda Healthcare facility in Phoenix. It was only after the woman went into labor that the staff learned of the rape. Using DNA evidence, the police have made an arrest in what could be the easiest criminal case in the history of criminal law. Licensed practical nurse Nathan Sutherland is the match and, as we discussed, he stood out as someone who would not cooperate in giving over his DNA sample. He has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said at a news conference that Sutherland, 36, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights after his arrest and did not cooperate with investigators. It is hard to see much work that remains if they have a DNA match with the baby. There can be no consent and the baby is conclusive evidence of the rape.
The 29-year-old victim has been incapacitated since the age of 3. Her parents say that she is not comatose but intellectually disabled with some ability to move her limbs, head, and neck. She also responds to sound and facial gestures.
Sutherland appeared in court Wednesday and held on $500,000 bail.
Sutherland was part of a Christian rap duo with his sister, Toisi under the name SLS or Sleeplessouljaz. Their first album was titled, “Certified Fake Face” and was released in 2009.
CBS News has also reported that Hacienda Healthcare had been investigated previously over alleged financial fraud, but the investigation was halted due to a lack of evidence. The facility reportedly was charging patients’ families $386,000 per year in 2012 at a time when the national average was $134,000 per year. The investigation into the facility ended in 2017 due to a lack of evidence.