KNOXVILLE, TN – A Knoxville woman is facing serious charges after authorities say the care she provided to her elderly father was so lacking that he was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, including severe bed sores revealing exposed vertebrae and dangerously high blood sugar.

Misty McDaniel, 42, was arrested on Jan. 17 and charged with aggravated neglect of an elderly or vulnerable adult, resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court records, McDaniel had served as her 74-year-old father’s primary caregiver after he became bedridden from a stroke nearly ten years ago.

Investigators allege that over the last six months, McDaniel’s father’s condition deteriorated sharply as he was increasingly neglected. Emergency medical staff at a local hospital assessed the man on Jan. 2, where they found that his blood sugar had surged to more than 600, a level that can swiftly lead to a diabetic coma if left untreated.

While treating his condition, hospital staff discovered multiple pressure ulcers and bedsores on his lower back and other areas of his body, some so severe that muscle and bone were exposed. Doctors placed him in a critical care unit, where he underwent multiple surgeries to remove dead and infected tissue.

Authorities say McDaniel had also failed to consistently provide the diabetes medication prescribed to her father, despite having a supply of it at home. When police entered the family’s residence, they located the unused medicine, which should have been administered regularly to manage his chronic illness.

Court documents indicate that McDaniel’s father did not receive medical attention for a significant period before his hospitalization, further compromising his health. Records also state that McDaniel’s husband was identified as a secondary caregiver, but no charges against him have been announced at this time.

The family, residing in Knox County, had not taken the ailing man to see a physician “in quite some time,” despite well-documented illnesses. As a result of the alleged neglect, the victim required extensive medical intervention, and his prognosis remains unclear.

McDaniel was booked into custody on a $75,000 bond. The case underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring the wellbeing of elderly and vulnerable adults who are dependent on family members for daily care.

Authorities have not released the current condition of the victim, citing privacy concerns, but indicated that the investigation is ongoing. Knox County officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the case.