Man gets life in neglected mother’s death

A Port Arthur man was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2020 death of his neglected elderly mother, reported the Port Arthur Police Department (PAPD). The trail began April 29. 

May 3, the jury found Alan Hartzel guilty in the death of his mother, Jean Hartzel, 75, of Port Arthur. On Feb. 21, 2020, PAPD officers responded to a residence in the 2900 block of 5th Street in reference to an unresponsive elderly female. First responders arrived before police and advised officers there were obvious signs of severe neglect. Evidence showed the victim had been confined to a bed for months, with little to no care. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

The son, who was the sole provider and caretaker, was questioned by detectives and arrested for injury to an elderly individual, a first-degree felony