Christina Cowens, 41, appeared in a California court Monday facing murder and fraud charges after police discovered the remains of Richard McClintic, a 59-year-old man with cerebral palsy, in his apartment last Thursday.McClintic’s family, who had been left in the dark for over a month, is mourning the loss of a man described as a loving and fiery sports fanatic.”It’s tough, it’s frustrating,” said his nephew, Ryan Klagenberg. The family said they knew something was wrong after McClintic’s sister died, and they couldn’t get in contact with him. “My aunt Shelly went over to his apartment, knocked on the door, and there was no answer. All of a sudden, then we started getting text messages from his Facebook account,” a family member said. They described the messages as unusual, and when they returned that same night, the family claims Cowens would not let them see Richard.The family requested a welfare check on Oct. 25, but Sacramento police did not find McClintic in the apartment. Nearly two weeks later, police discovered his remains after obtaining a warrant to search the apartment. Cowens was initially arrested for unlawful disposal of human remains, grand theft, and attempt to conceal a death. She is now charged with murder and making fraudulent claims to an officer. “To know that someone is capable of doing this to a disabled person in my uncle’s condition is just outrageous,” said Ryan Klagenberg.Her attorney requested a continuation, and Cowens will return to court on Nov. 24. Court records also show Cowens was arraigned on felony embezzlement charges in July, though it is unclear if the two cases are related.
Christina Cowens, 41, appeared in a California court Monday facing murder and fraud charges after police discovered the remains of Richard McClintic, a 59-year-old man with cerebral palsy, in his apartment last Thursday.
McClintic’s family, who had been left in the dark for over a month, is mourning the loss of a man described as a loving and fiery sports fanatic.
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“It’s tough, it’s frustrating,” said his nephew, Ryan Klagenberg.
The family said they knew something was wrong after McClintic’s sister died, and they couldn’t get in contact with him.
“My aunt Shelly went over to his apartment, knocked on the door, and there was no answer. All of a sudden, then we started getting text messages from his Facebook account,” a family member said.
They described the messages as unusual, and when they returned that same night, the family claims Cowens would not let them see Richard.
The family requested a welfare check on Oct. 25, but Sacramento police did not find McClintic in the apartment.
Nearly two weeks later, police discovered his remains after obtaining a warrant to search the apartment.
Cowens was initially arrested for unlawful disposal of human remains, grand theft, and attempt to conceal a death. She is now charged with murder and making fraudulent claims to an officer.
“To know that someone is capable of doing this to a disabled person in my uncle’s condition is just outrageous,” said Ryan Klagenberg.
Her attorney requested a continuation, and Cowens will return to court on Nov. 24. Court records also show Cowens was arraigned on felony embezzlement charges in July, though it is unclear if the two cases are related.
