Hidden camera allegedly captured caregiver striking 91-year-old bedridden woman 150 times
Rima Abikaram, 50
COSTA MESA, Calif. - A hidden camera allegedly captured a caregiver striking a 91-year-old bedridden woman more than 150 times over a 4-day period, Costa Mesa Police said Thursday.
Rima Abikaram, 50, Fullerton, was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of elder abuse after she was caught on camera striking 91-year-old "Jane Doe" while in her care.
In 2015, Abikaram, a friend of the victim’s family, was hired as one of two caregivers to provide 24-hour care for the 91-year-old woman, who lives in her Costa Mesa home and is confined to a medical bed.
Prior to the arrest, the second caregiver became concerned for the victim after noticing "Jane Doe" had sustained visible injuries and reported her concerns to the victim’s family.
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After that, police said that the family installed a hidden camera in the home to monitor the victim’s care. Ultimately, the hidden camera revealed Abikaram abusing and striking the victim.
After the victim's family fired Abikaram as a caregiver on August 18, they called CMPD to report the elder abuse.
During the investigation, video footage was reviewed and it was found that over a 4-day period, Abikaram struck the victim over 150 times. Medical reports showed the victim's injuries included swelling to her face, a black eye, and a laceration to her arm.
On Sept. 1, Abikaram was located at her home and arrested without incident. The case was then turned over to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.