Carl DeBrodie case: Columbia supported living facility says ‘there are holes in the system’

The founder and CEO of a Columbia-based supported living facility is speaking out after five people were charged in connection to the death of Carl DeBrodie.

“My reaction was relief,” Julie Walden, founder and CEO of Boone Supported Living told ABC 17 News Tuesday. “I think a lot of people were anxiously awaiting for something to happen to the people who hurt Carl. A lot of us in this field were anxiously awaiting because we didn’t know who those people were, and we didn’t want to employ them unknowingly. So, now we at least have some names.”

A Callaway County grand jury indicted Anthony K. Flores, Anthony R.K. Flores, Sherry K. Paolo, Shaina A. Osborne and Mary K. Paulo in the death of Carl DeBrodie. Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers told ABC 17 News all five defendants were taken into custody around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“In the last year, what has become evident is that there are holes in the system,” Walden said.
“They weren’t there on purpose, sometimes you just don’t see them until they become evident. So, at this point, I think that DMH (Department of Mental Health) is working on fixing those holes and that will help the entire state, not just Callaway County.”

Asked what holes in the system need to be addressed, Walden replied, “Families need to be made aware of who they can talk to, beyond Callaway County. So, if they speak to a guardian or they speak to a caseworker and they are not being heard, there are other people they can speak to above them.”

She continued: “I would encourage family members and loved ones to have people they care about in placement to call their legislature and say, ‘hey, I know holes have been identified, what are you guys going to do to fix it?’ And just keep beating that drum until something happens.”

Complete coverage of the Case of Carl DeBrodie can be found by following this link.