JOHNSTON COUNTY – A caregiver is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of a special needs adult.
Rogers Lee Inge, age 55, of Warrenton, NC called Johnston County 911 around 4:43pm Tuesday. Inge reportedly told a dispatcher he was responsible for the death of an individual who was in his vehicle.
The 911 dispatcher was able to get Mr. Inge to stop driving and pull over at the Cleveland Fire Department at 9039 Cleveland Road, Clayton so help could be sent to his location.
Deputies, EMS and fire personnel responded and determined 22 year-old Dotarious Batts was deceased in the vehicle.
Sheriff’s Major Jeff Caldwell said Mr. Inge was a full-time caregiver for Batts, also of Warrenton, NC. Mr. Batts was identified as a special needs adult who could not care for himself.
Inge reportedly told authorities he was employed as a full-time care giver for Mr. Batts through Universal Health Care. Inge also said he was also a janitor at Cleveland High School.
Inge stated he arrived at Cleveland High School at approximately 8:00am Tuesday with Mr. Batt’s in his vehicle. Mr. Inge stated he left Batts in his car with the windows rolled up and the engine off.
Inge stated he checked on Mr. Batts at approximately 10:00 am and he was fine. He did not return to his vehicle again, until approximately 4:17pm, at which time he found Mr. Batts deceased.
Mr. Inge reprotedly left the school and called 911 and then pulled over at the fire department.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Mr. Inge charging him with involuntary manslaughter. He was placed under a $35,000 secure bond.
