Carolyn Trimble-Weber 

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A man is accused of causing his infirm girlfriend’s death through years of severe neglect, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams announced on Monday, Nov. 10.

Ronald Louis Bender, 60, of the 7400 block of River Road in Conestoga Township, has been charged with Felony Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person, Felony Endangering the Welfare of a Care-Dependent Person, and Misdemeanor Involuntary Manslaughter, according to court documents.

Bender allegedly left his girlfriend, 62-year-old Carolyn Trimble-Weber, in “deplorable conditions” at her residence on the 500 block of Lancaster Pike in Providence Township before her death in September 2024, authorities said.

Trimble-Weber, who had been physically weakened and largely nonverbal for the past five years, was solely cared for by Bender after he quit his job to become her full-time caretaker. However, police say that care fell drastically short.

When Trimble-Weber’s condition worsened, she was taken to a hospital where doctors discovered numerous open and infected wounds, dead skin, and exposed flesh before she died on Sept. 10, 2024. EMS personnel reported she was found on a foul-smelling, soiled bed layered with dirty pads on a stained mattress, with one EMT telling investigators it appeared she hadn’t been bathed in a month, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice.

Bender allegedly told police he hadn’t taken Trimble-Weber to a doctor since 2019 due to the difficulty of transporting her, opting instead for virtual appointments in which he mainly spoke on her behalf. A treating physician told investigators he urged Bender to take her to a hospital during their final appointment seven months before her death — a recommendation Bender ignored.

Medical records described Trimble-Weber’s condition and hygiene as “concerning,” noting that her injuries were preventable and treatable with proper care. Two doctors told police her outcome “could have been different” had she received appropriate attention.

Bender repeatedly declined outside assistance and became angry when family members expressed concern about Trimble-Weber’s declining condition, investigators explained. He later admitted to troopers that his care had been inadequate.

Trimble-Weber was originally from Quarryville and lived in New Providence, according to her social media. She attended Lampeter-Strasburg and Manheim Central high schools before earning degrees from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Millersville University, Harrisburg Area Community College, and McDaniel College. She studied mechanical engineering, technology education, and curriculum and instruction, and previously operated her own business as a self-employed professional.

A preliminary arraignment was held before Judge William Mankin on Monday, Nov. 10. Bender was released on $25,000 unsecured bail, court records show. Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lapp is prosecuting the case.