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MINEOLA, New York — A 65-year-old Roosevelt man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of his 85-year-old mother, while his sister faces charges for alleged abusive acts toward their mother in the weeks before her death. “, announced Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.

Michael Rainford McDougall is accused of placing his mother, Carmel McDougall, in a headlock and swinging her, causing her to fall and suffer a serious head injury that ultimately led to her death. McDougall, her primary caregiver, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, among other felonies, after video footage reportedly captured the incident inside her home. His sister, Nichole McDougall Mullings, is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person for allegedly physically restraining and threatening their mother on two occasions.

According to District Attorney Donnelly, McDougall was arraigned on charges of second-degree manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, criminally negligent homicide, and additional charges of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. . He pleaded not guilty and his bond was set at $250,000 cash, $500,000 surety bond or $1 million partially secured bond.

Mullings, 55, was arraigned on two counts of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and was released to receive pretrial services. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court on November 22, 2024.

Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 12, police responded to a welfare check at the family’s home on Hudson Avenue, where they found Carmel McDougall unresponsive. Video footage from the home’s internal NEST cameras reportedly showed Michael McDougall putting his mother in a headlock and swinging her, causing her to fall and hit her head on the floor. As she lay injured, McDougall allegedly threatened her to get up.

Carmel McDougall was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. She was placed on life support and later died on September 18.

Additionally, on Aug. 30, Mullings allegedly restrained his mother’s movement and breathing on two separate occasions, acts also captured on video, according to the district attorney’s office.

District Attorney Donnelly condemned the alleged actions of both brothers, stating: “Frustrated by their 85-year-old mother’s deteriorating health, Michael McDougall and his sister, Nichole McDougall Mullings, allegedly took out their anger on her with physical violence and threats”. He added: “Carmel McDougall’s son and daughter failed her when she needed them most.”

If convicted, Michael McDougall faces up to 19 years in prison, while Mullings could face 1-1/3 to four years.