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Lesbians Kill Paralyzed Roommate

Lesbians Kill Paralyzed Roommate

Domestic Partners Sentenced For Killing Paralyzed Roommate

ASTORIA, Ore. -- Two Astoria caregivers convicted of killing their paralyzed, wheelchair-bound roommate were sentenced Monday to prison. Domestic partners Theresa Beverage and Nicole Harris were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of 56-year-old Sharon Wilks.

Wilks' decaying body was covered with bedsores when it was discovered in February 2004 in her wheelchair at the bottom of a ravine near their apartment. Prosecutors say Beverage and Harris withheld food and medicine from the victim, who died from neglect 15 days before her body was found.

"And you did absolutely nothing. That's the crime you committed -- nothing," Wilks' sister, Pamela Shoop, said in court.

"I apologize from the bottom of my heart for my part in her death," Beverage said.

Beverage was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison. Harris received more than 11.

"If I had my way, you'd spend the rest of your days locked up, but there are laws on the maximum time. As for me and my family, we'll be doing life -- life without Sharon, life without mom, life without grandma," Wilks' daughter, Stacey Bue, told the women.

Beverage and Harris blamed their actions on their addiction to cocaine.

Related
Fatal case of neglect nets long prison terms for two women


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Posted by Editor at September 21, 2005 07:02 AM