A Pennsylvania man is now in jail after police say he caused the tragic death of his bedridden mother, who depended on an oxygen machine to breathe.
Chad Walburn, 40, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his mother, Phyllis Elaine Walburn, 63. She passed away on October 31 at an Erie hospital after battling years of serious health issues. Initially, her death seemed related to her medical condition, but investigators later determined it was no accident.
The story begins on October 23, when police in Erie, Pennsylvania, were called to Phyllis’s home after someone reported that Chad refused to leave the property. When officers arrived, they discovered a disturbing scene. Phyllis was lying unconscious in her bed, soaking wet, with noticeable discoloration on her neck. Her oxygen tube, crucial for her survival, was removed, and her oxygen machine had been unplugged and turned off.
After being taken into custody, Chad reportedly admitted to unplugging the machine, taking away his mother’s oxygen, and pouring water on her from multiple containers, including a small trash can. When asked why he did such a terrible thing, Chad allegedly told investigators that he believed his mother needed to die. Paramedics rushed Phyllis to the hospital, but sadly, she died eight days later.
Following her death, the Erie County Coroner determined that Phyllis had died from respiratory failure caused by the intentional removal of her oxygen. Her death was ruled a homicide. Chad was initially charged with aggravated assault but, after further investigation and the release of the coroner’s findings, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.
Chad Walburn was formally arraigned on the murder charge last Friday and remains in custody at the Erie County Prison without bail. Erie police officials explained that they wanted to ensure the investigation was thorough before filing the murder charge. Deputy Chief Rick Lorah shared that they worked closely with the district attorney’s office to make sure everything was aligned with the coroner’s report and the detectives’ findings.
This heartbreaking case has shaken the Erie community, leaving many to grapple with the troubling details of what happened inside that home.
