According to a release from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office (NCSO), a Nacogdoches woman is in jail after an ongoing four month investigation by the NCSO and the Texas Rangers.

The investigation started on February 6th, 2018. EMS was dispatched to the 15000 block of Highway 259 to an unresponsive female. The victim was transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.  The hospital notified law enforcement about the death, and an investigation was started by the Sheriff's Office.

The victim was identified as Elizabeth Inez Cooper, 84, from Nacogdoches. Law enforcement and Medical personal observed that Cooper’s body was in a state of emaciation. An immediate investigation was started into her death. During the investigation, investigators learned that the suspect, Melissa Miller Broussard was the daughter and primary caretaker of the victim.  An autopsy of the victim revealed that the cause of death was due to dehydration and emaciation due to elder neglect.

Investigators learned that the suspect had the means to provide health care and other basic essential needs for the victim, but failed to do so. Sheriff Bridges stated that "Elizabeth Cooper was in horrendous condition at the time of her death which could have been prevented by the suspect. This is a brutal case of neglect that happened over a long time span."

After a thorough investigation, a warrant was obtained for the suspect's arrest on May 30th. Melissa Miller Broussard, 40, was arrested at her residence on Wednesday afternoon after the warrant was issued. NCSO deputies transported Broussard to the Nacogdoches County Jail where she was booked in for the charge of Injury to an Elderly, a 1st degree felony.

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