Caretaker faces charges after disabled man dies in Phoenix

Nuru Niyonkuru, a 36-year-old caretaker, has been arrested and charged with vulnerable adult abuse following the death of William Miller, a 50-year-old disabled man under his care in Phoenix. Authorities allege that Niyonkuru neglected Miller, failing to provide adequate care, which led to Miller being found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Further investigation revealed that Niyonkuru had consumed alcohol before his shift, canceled Miller’s appointment, and transported him to his apartment instead, purchasing more alcohol during the shift. Witnesses and coworkers noted concerns about Niyonkuru’s drinking habits on the job, and police were notified more than an hour after Miller was found unresponsive. The case remains active as the medical examiner’s results are pending, which could lead to additional charges. The incident has raised questions about oversight and accountability in group homes for people with disabilities in Arizona.