Marietta Police Arrest Melissa Blue in Elderly Cruelty Case

MARIETTA, Ga. - A Cobb County woman is accused of elderly neglect and cruelty of her own 80-year-old mother.

Marietta police arrested 49-year-old Melissa Blue on cruelty charges after her mother was taken to the hospital early Thursday moing.

Authorities say 80-year-old Evelyn Blue, who is bedridden, had been staying at a Howard Johnson hotel on Delk Road with her daughter for some time.

Detectives say they got a call for medical attention. Once emergency crews arrived on the scene, the elder Blue was then taken to Kennestone Hospital.

”The initial responding officers on the scene noticed right away that she had some severe bed sores, so they called an ambulance, said Officer Jenny Murphy of the Marietta Police Department.

Sources tell FOX 5 that the motel room was filthy and that Blue declined the already-included daily cleaning service.

The paramedics, police and crime scene investigators wore masks and footies as they worked the scene.

Milton Figueroa, who lives next door, said he heard police arrive.

”I heard a lot of commotion. I was sleeping in my bed. I looked outside and saw a lot of police, he said.  ”I felt sad for the mother I just pray for the mother.

Police say the investigation is just beginning, but they are leaing more about Blue and her 80 year-old mother.

”I understand that they have been staying in Howard Johnson's since October of last year," said Murphy. She said she did not know why they had been at the hotel that long.

Evelyn Blue is recovering in the hospital, while her daughter Melissa is charged with a felony count of cruelty to the elderly.

Police are contacting state officials to determine if there have ever been any complaints involving the family in the past.