Assisted Living Worker Charged in Resident's Death

An assisted living worker at Atria Walnut Creek has been charged with a felony complaint in the death of a 94-year-old resident on August 31, 2022, according to the Contra Costa district attorney in California. 

54-year-old Lateshia Sherise Starling of San Pablo faces one count of elder or dependent adult abuse, resulting in the death of Constantine Albert Canoun. The complaint against Starling says while having care and custody of Canoun, she “willfully caused and permitted him to be placed in a situation in which his health was endangered and knew and reasonably should have known that (Mr. Canoun) was an elder and dependent adult.”  

Canoun lived in the memory care unit at Atria Walnut Creek and suffered from dementia. On the night of Aug. 23, Canoun was rushed to John Muir Medical Center after ingesting all-purpose cleaning solution in a nearby kitchen area. He died on Aug. 31 from injuries to his stomach, esophagus and part of his throat.  

Following an investigation by the Walnut Creek Police Department, the incident was referred to the Contra Costa district attorney’s office on Jan. 24. After reviewing the referral, charges were filed with the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County.