Sacramento Caretaker Charged in Death of Disabled Man

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento family is grieving the loss of 59-year-old Richard McClintic, a man known for his loving nature and fiery passion for sports, after authorities charged his longtime caretaker with murder.

McClintic, who had cerebral palsy, relied on caretakers for daily support. He lived independently with assistance, but family members say the trusted caretaker they hired for him, 41-year-old Christina Cowens, betrayed that trust. Cowens has now been arraigned on charges of murder and fraud in connection with his death.

“It’s tough, it’s frustrating,” said McClintic’s relative Ryan Klagenberg. “We’re not gonna stop until we get justice for Richard.”

The family first became concerned after the death of McClintic’s sister. They had been unable to reach him, and attempts to communicate through social media raised alarm. According to the family, messages sent from his Facebook account seemed unusual and unlike him.

Concern turned into urgency when McClintic’s aunt, Shelly, went to his apartment to check on him and was denied entry by Cowens. “The caretaker would not let her see Richard,” Klagenberg said. The family immediately reached out to police, requesting a welfare check on October 25. Officers entered the apartment but did not find McClintic at that time.

This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements, official press releases, and publicly available news sources.

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Nearly two weeks later, police returned with a search warrant and discovered McClintic’s remains inside his apartment. Authorities have not released details about the cause of death, but the investigation led to Cowens’ arrest.

Family members say they are struggling to process the betrayal. “To know that someone is capable of doing this to a disabled person in my uncle’s condition is just outrageous,” Klagenberg said.

McClintic’s family described him as a warm, engaging man who loved sports and cared deeply for those around him. “He was always rooting for the home team and never met a stranger,” Klagenberg said. “He deserved care, compassion, and respect, not what happened to him.”

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward. Cowens is currently held in custody pending further legal proceedings.