Caregiver brutally stomped non-verbal woman to death and then told police ‘they would find a deceased person’ in her home after car crash, cops say

A North Carolina woman who was entrusted with the care of a young non-verbal woman with autism is accused of carrying out a prolonged campaign of abuse that ultimately ended in the victim’s death. Authorities allege that the caregiver repeatedly assaulted the vulnerable woman before fatally stomping on her head and later informing police that they would find a dead person at her residence after she was involved in a vehicle crash.

The suspect, 59-year-old Marlo Wallace, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 23-year-old Aaliyah Fortner. Investigators say Fortner, who was non-verbal and had autism, was living in Wallace’s home and was under her care at the time of her death.

Investigation Began After Traffic Crash

According to authorities, the investigation was launched on October 26, 2025, when officers with the Gastonia Police Department responded to a collision involving a semi-truck and Wallace’s vehicle. Following the crash, Wallace was transported to a hospital for treatment.

While receiving medical care, Wallace allegedly made a startling statement to law enforcement officers. Police said she informed them that they would find a deceased person inside her residence located on Green Brook Trail in Dallas, North Carolina.

The information prompted officers to immediately travel to the residence. Once there, they discovered Fortner’s body inside the home. The discovery transformed what had initially been a traffic investigation into a homicide inquiry.

Allegations of Repeated Abuse

Court documents and a probable cause affidavit allege that Fortner suffered extensive abuse before her death. Investigators stated that Wallace assaulted the young woman on numerous occasions over an extended period.

Taser Use and Physical Assaults

Authorities allege Wallace abused Fortner in several ways, including:

• Striking her with objects.
• Pushing her to the ground.
• Using a Taser against her.
• Kicking her.
• Stomping on her head.

The allegations paint a disturbing picture of repeated violence against a woman who was unable to verbally communicate what was happening to her. Investigators believe the abuse escalated over time before resulting in her death.

Initial Charges Before Murder Count

Before the murder charge was filed, Wallace had already been facing several criminal accusations related to Fortner’s treatment. Those charges included:

• Concealment of death from unnatural causes.
• Patient abuse and neglect.
• Felony assault on an individual with disabilities.

The case intensified after forensic findings became available.

Autopsy Results Led to Murder Charge

Prosecutors upgraded the case after receiving the autopsy results. Following a review of the medical evidence, authorities determined there was sufficient evidence to pursue a first-degree murder charge. Prosecutors stated that Wallace acted with malice in causing Fortner’s death.

While officials confirmed the autopsy findings played a key role in the decision to file the murder charge, the specific details of the autopsy report have not been publicly released.

Family Speaks Out About Victim’s Suffering

The victim’s family has expressed heartbreak and outrage over the allegations.

Brother Says Sister Endured Abuse Alone

Fortner’s brother, Caleb Simpson, told local media that one of the most painful aspects of the case is knowing his sister was unable to communicate her suffering because she was non-verbal. He said it is devastating to think about what she may have experienced while isolated from those who loved her.

According to Simpson, the thought that his sister endured repeated abuse alone and that her life ended in such a violent manner continues to haunt the family. He described the situation as deeply painful and difficult to comprehend.

Questions About State Oversight

Simpson also questioned how Fortner was placed in Wallace’s care in the first place. He argued that families place trust in care systems and government oversight agencies to protect vulnerable individuals and expressed frustration that those safeguards allegedly failed his sister.

The family has urged others to be cautious about whom they trust with the care of loved ones who cannot advocate for themselves.

Another Caregiver Also Charged

The investigation did not stop with Wallace.

Authorities have also charged another woman responsible for Fortner’s care, Vera Williams. Williams faces charges of patient abuse and neglect as well as felony assault of an individual with disabilities.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed the full extent of Williams’ alleged involvement, but prosecutors contend that more than one caregiver failed to protect Fortner from harm.

Prior Concerns About Wallace’s Caregiving History

Reports from local media revealed another troubling aspect of the case. Authorities had reportedly revoked Wallace’s guardianship of a different non-verbal adult who had been living in her home approximately two years before Fortner was placed there.

The revelation has prompted additional questions about how Fortner ultimately came to reside in Wallace’s care despite previous concerns regarding another vulnerable individual.

Current Status of the Case

Wallace remains incarcerated at the Gaston County Jail while the prosecution moves forward. She is scheduled to appear in court on June 19 as the murder case proceeds through the judicial system.

The case has drawn significant attention because of the victim’s disabilities and her inability to communicate the alleged abuse. Prosecutors and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Fortner’s death, while her family seeks answers and accountability for what they describe as a profound failure to protect a vulnerable young woman.