x
Breaking News
More () »

Woman charged for not reporting elderly boyfriend's death, Rowan County deputies say

46-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Ferguson is charged with a felony count of failure to report death.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The Rowan County Sheriff's Office has arrested a woman it said didn't report the death of her boyfriend.

Deputies say a hospice nurse called them to the home of 78-year-old James Edward Kurtz on November 28, 2022. The nurse told them Kurtz had been dead long enough for his body to start decomposing. Deputies said Kurtz's live-in girlfriend, 46-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Ferguson, said he had been with him since the hospice nurse's last visit.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

After getting a search warrant, deputies filed charges against Ferguson. She was arrested on Monday, Dec. 12, for a felony count of failure to report a death. Investigators believe she reasonably knew Kurtz had died and did not call to report it.

Ferguson has since been released from jail on a $3,000 secured bond. The investigation remains open pending the results from an autopsy.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.

   

Before You Leave, Check This Out