LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Bound in bed, beaten and bloody, and left to die -- it all happened to a 77-year old man.
As the suspect made his first appearance in court on Wednesday, sordid details of why he lived in the victim's home are coming out.
Jason Rice is charged with attempted murder, assault in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence.
Police found 77-year-old Merritt Garrett bound at the wrist and feet Sunday, bleeding and beaten so badly that an open wound on his head exposed his skull.
Janet Sidebottom has talked to the victims family. "They said he's not going to be right again with the head trauma that he's had." She's lived across the street from Garrett for 15 years.
"It stinks, she says, "but I think we all around here pretty much knew something was going to happen because we all knew about him and Jason."
Jason Rice is a registered sex offender convicted of sexual abuse. Police believe money may have been his motive. LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell says, "He was robbed of some cash, 500 dollars, and some personal belongings, and Mr. Rice was seen in the victim's car."
Neighbors tell WDRB News all the contents from inside the house were moved into the driveway in the last couple days.
You can still see blood splatter on the pillow. He was lying there, beaten, bloody, and bound.
Mitchell explains, "There was an individual believed to be the caregiver who was not home at the time. Apparently had gone to the home, called for the individual. He did not answer. She subsequently found him in his bedroom in that condition."
It's the added twist in the case -- Garrett's family says the caregiver lived there, as well, and was Rice's girlfriend. He just moved in two months ago.
The family says Sidebottom spotted him back in the neighborhood Tuesday and that's what led to the arrest. She says, "I'm just glad they finally found him. We kind of all figured he'd come back looking for her."
Garrett is in stable condition at University hospital Rice pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday morning. His bond was set at $100,000.
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Jason D. Rice (Source: Louisville Metro Corrections)
