3 Suspected in Fatal Abuse of Their Father

Three children of a 68-year-old Huntington Beach man have been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and abuse for allegedly neglecting their bedridden, partly paralyzed father, prosecutors said Friday.

Richard Earl Heitzman, 48, and Jerry Allan Heitzman, 44, were arrested Wednesday and held on suspicion of causing the 1990 death of Robert Heitzman, 68.

Susan Valeria Heitzman, 31, of Garden Grove was also held Thursday on suspicion of elder abuse.

Prosecutors allege that Robert Heitzman was neglected so severely that his death resulted. The official cause of death was listed as septic shock from ulcerated bedsores. But the injuries were brought about by malnutrition, dehydration and general neglect, Deputy Dist. Atty. Bryan F. Brown said.

Robert Heitzman was found dead at his Huntington Beach home at 19132 Stingray Lane on Dec. 3, according to prosecutors. He had been partly paralyzed by a stroke and was in the care of Richard and Jerry Heitzman, who were living at the home.

Lt. Jeff Cope of the Huntington Beach Police Department said police were called to the Heitzman residence by paramedics and decided to investigate the possibility of elder abuse.