WFTV.comNews
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Caretaker Caught On Video Repeatedly Hitting Disabled Man

POSTED: 5:18 pm EST January 10, 2008
UPDATED: 11:29 pm EST January 10, 2008

A caretaker was arrested Thursday for repeatedly punching a disabled man in the face. Port Orange police said, as bad as the case sounds, it is even worse considering there's video of the incident.

The video shows Rabha El Assal Merlino hitting the victim in the head and the face loud enough that you can hear the sounds of the slaps. Merlino then leaves the room and, when she does, the 42-year-old man who has Downs Syndrome can be seen shaking on the couch. In the video, recorded six days ago, Merlino comes back and hits him 15 more times in the head and face.

Merlino was being paid to take care of the victim and a young boy, who was also sitting on the couch. That boy is 17 and has multiple sclerosis. The boy's father suspected something wasn't right, though, so he set up a camera in his house and caught the beating on tape.

Merlino was arrested Thursday at her home in Holly Hill and taken to the Volusia County jail where she was being held on a $3,500 bond, charged with abuse of a disable adult. More charges could be coming.


Market Place

Sponsor Links

Links We Like

Talking about sex and dating with your kids can be uncomfortable but it is absolutely necessary. Get tips on how to approach these difficult subjects. More Details

Now is the time for you to buy your first home. Find out everything you need to know to make the process smooth and easy. More Details

Face it, your resume is out of date. Catch up to the times and refresh that retro resume. More Details

Saving on gas is a top priority these days and your credit card can help. Find out how to reduce the cost of driving today. More Details

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, this 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. New photos are added frequently, so prepare to be shocked and amused. Take A Look!

Caught In The Act

When you think of coyotes, you might think of the Wild West, the desert, anywhere but near downtown Orlando, but Channel 9 has the video proof that coyotes are hunting near the Orlando Executive Airport. More Details

Top 10 Video

Check out the best video clips on the Internet. New to the list: "The Dark Knight" movie clips. More Details


Credit Center

Checking Your Credit Report Does Not Affect Your Credit Score. See Your Score & Report Today for $0. More
Experian

Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert

- Breaking News Alerts
- Severe Weather Alerts
Download the Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert - CLICK HERE - IT'S FREE

Back To Top