A psychiatric evaluation has determined that the City of Tonawanda woman who allowed her live-in boyfriend to spend a month in his own urine and feces is competent to stand trial.
Pamela J. Gabrys, 52, of 182 Canton St., appeared in City Court Tuesday, where Acting Judge Mark E. Saltarelli agreed with Erie County District Attorney Frank J. Clark’s recommendation to remand Gabrys to the Erie County Holding Center on $50,000 bail. She is due back in City Court next week and could face additional charges, including felony charges of reckless assault, reckless endangerment and unlawful imprisonment.
In addition, cruelty to animal charges may be filed against Gabrys, because police also found several cats in the home, which was filled with garbage, empty beer cans and animal waste.
The forensic exam determined that Gabrys does not suffer from any mental disease or defect that would affect the DA’s office from proceeding with a trial, although it did reveal an alcohol dependency, Clark said Tuesday.
“She’s obviously got some issues,” he said. “This is as bizarre a thing as I’ve ever heard. Why she didn’t call and why she allowed this to go on as long as it did, I don’t have answers to those questions yet.”
For reasons police aren’t sure of, Gabrys called 911 April 2. When police and emergency responders arrived, they found Gabrys’ 54-year-old physically disabled boyfriend lying on the bedroom floor in his own urine and feces.
Police determined that the man had been there for approximately one month. Gabrys fed the man, but did not assist him off the floor and also didn’t call for help until last week, police said, adding that she told them that her boyfriend asked her not to call for help.
The victim is being treated in the Erie County Medical Center trauma unit for severe skin deterioration. ECMC security personnel did not provide an update on his condition Tuesday, but Clark said the last he heard, the victim was still listed as critical.
The extent of the victim’s injuries from the neglect will play a key role in determining whether the more serious charges will be applied to Gabrys’ case, Clark said. He said his office should know by Gabrys’ next court date whether the case will be presented to a grand jury or remain in City Court.
Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.
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