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Couple accused of neglect in Illinois man's death

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - A southwestern Illinois couple is accused of criminal neglect of a disabled person in the death of a blind man who authorities say weighed just 60 pounds.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that St. Clair County prosecutors charged 49-year-old Richard R. Young and 32-year-old Elizabeth Young of Belleville on Monday.

The charges allege that as Billy Ray Young's caretakers, the defendants failed to maintain the 52-year-old disabled man's medical, nutritional and hygienic needs.

Billy Ray Young's body was found March 11 in the defendant's home.

Relatives say the man was blind and mentally and physically impaired, and that he had been cared for by his mother until she died in 2001.

Richard and Elizabeth Young don't have a listed home telephone number. Online court records don't list their attorney.

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