Springdale couple accused of elder abuse, manslaughter plead not guilty

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Springdale couple accused of elder abuse and manslaughter following the death of a 78-year-old woman pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, according to court documents.

Gary Cannady, 45, and Sandy Cannady, 42, were arrested on March 4 on manslaughter and endangering the welfare of an impaired person.

According to a report from Springdale police, the department responded to an abuse report at Northwest Medical Center just after 7 p.m. on March 4.

Springdale couple arrested on elder abuse, manslaughter charges

Once they arrived, they found Loretta Mulanex, 78, with numerous injuries, in a “state of extreme atrophy” and unable to move her arms and legs, the report said.

A news release from the Springdale Police Department said Sandy, Mulanex’s daughter, called for medical assistance, but when paramedics arrived, she tried to refuse to have her mother taken to the hospital. She told investigators her mother had been in that condition for at least three months.

Gary said to SPD that he knew Mulanex’s condition and she needed medical care but did not seek medical attention.

The couple was originally booked on an endangering the welfare of an impaired person charge.

Mulanex died the following morning and both were charged with manslaughter, according to the release. Her body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

Both are being held in the Washington County Jail on a $150,000 bond and have trial dates set for November 19.

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