Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Caregiver Convicted in Elderly Woman’s Murder-for-Gain Plot
Benedict Carlo was an elderly woman living in Mangaluru who needed care.
Her family hired Elma Baretto to look after her.
Carlo died in January 2021, and people first thought it was because of her health problems.
Doctors noticed injuries that made the death seem suspicious.
Police also found that gold jewelry was missing from her home.
Investigators said Baretto and her boyfriend Satisha first tried putting pesticide in Carlo’s drinks.
They then allegedly asked Charan Kumar to help kill her with a pillow.
Police used phone records, messages, medical evidence and recovered jewelry to build the case.
A court later found all three guilty and gave them life sentences.
Benedict Carlo, 72, died at her Mangaluru home on January 26, 2021, initially appearing to have suffered a natural death.
Police became suspicious after doctors found injuries and family members discovered gold ornaments missing.
Police said caregiver Elma Preschith Baretto and her boyfriend Satisha A R first tried poisoning Carlo before arranging her suffocation.
Police alleged Charan Kumar suffocated Carlo with a pillow while Baretto restrained her leg.
A Dakshina Kannada court convicted all three accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment on July 23, based on circumstantial, medical and technical evidence.
- Who
- Benedict Carlo, 72, was killed, according to police and the court; the convicted accused were caregiver Elma Preschith Baretto, Satisha A R and Charan Kumar.
- What
- The three accused were convicted of murdering Carlo and stealing her gold ornaments.
- When
- Carlo died on January 26, 2021; the convictions and life sentences were issued on July 23, with the year not specified in the article.
- Where
- The killing took place at Carlo’s residence in the Mangaluru area, and the case was investigated by Bantwal Rural police and tried in Dakshina Kannada district.
- Why
- According to the prosecution and court, the accused planned the murder to obtain Carlo’s valuables.
- Victim
- Benedict Carlo, 72
- Date of death
- January 26, 2021
- Initial suspicion
- Doctors found injuries on Carlo’s neck, shoulder and left hand.
- Stolen items
- A gold chain with a Jesus cross, seven rings, bangles, earrings and a thali were reported missing.
- Alleged method
- Police said pesticide was initially mixed into coffee or tea, followed by suffocation with a pillow.
- Evidence
- The case relied on medical and technical evidence, phone records, messages, audio notes and recovered ornaments.
- Court outcome
- All three accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.