Investigation cites "gruesome" home conditions, prior reports of abuse
CHANDLER — A local man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of an 84-year-old woman who, according to police and court records, had been living in neglectful and unsanitary conditions.
Authorities arrested Allen Page after an investigation into the September death of Mary Elenz determined neglect was a factor, and prosecutors subsequently filed a second-degree murder charge. Police said the inquiry began when hospice personnel reported concerns about the woman’s condition last fall.
New court records revealed that a hospice nurse who visited Elenz’s home described scenes she considered the most horrific she’d encountered, reporting blankets soiled and stuck to the woman’s skin and insects in the residence. Records say the home’s conditions were "gruesome." Paramedics and investigators were later involved as the case unfolded.
“It did not surprise me. It didn’t just because of how he treated me as a child,”
The comment came from Peter Page, son of the suspect, who told investigators and media he was not shocked by the allegations against his father. He described a troubled family relationship and recalled instances of physical and verbal abuse during his childhood. Peter said his grandmother deserved better care.
Power of attorney, prior reports and Social Security payments
Court documents show Page became Elenz’s power of attorney in 2023. Records also indicate police and social services received multiple reports alleging Page was abusing Elenz dating back to 2018, though investigators said earlier complaints did not yield sufficient evidence to file charges at the time.
Investigators noted Elenz was hospitalized in May 2025 for what police described as “failure to thrive,” malnutrition and other serious medical conditions. She returned home from the hospital under Page’s care, according to the records. When police later interviewed Page, they said his accounts about caregiving routines and visits from a nursing company were inconsistent.
Officials also reviewed financial records showing that Social Security payments to Elenz — approximately $1,600 per check, according to records — were routinely transferred to Page’s account. Police allege the funds were used by Page for his personal benefit rather than for Elenz’s care.
Local consequences and elder-care oversight
The case raises questions about oversight of elders who rely on family for care, and how repeated reports of potential abuse are handled. Social-service and law-enforcement agencies routinely face challenges proving abuse or neglect when victims have limited ability to communicate or when suspected caregivers control finances and access.
For neighbors and family members, the revelations reignite concerns about recognizing and reporting elder abuse. Arizona law provides mechanisms for reporting suspected abuse through county adult protective services and law enforcement. Investigators in this case said multiple prior reports had been filed but that they did not produce criminal charges until the probe into Elenz’s death.
- Suspect: Allen Page — charged with second-degree murder.
- Victim: Mary Elenz, 84 — died after being found in neglect-related conditions.
- Key issues: Power of attorney, prior abuse reports (since 2018), diverted Social Security payments, hospice concerns.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Multiple reports alleging abuse against Page, per records. |
| 2023 | Page became Elenz’s power of attorney, per court records. |
| May 2025 | Elenz hospitalized for failure to thrive and malnutrition; returned home under Page’s care. |
| September (year of death) | Investigation opened after hospice call; Elenz died; arrest of Page followed. |
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Elenz’s death. Prosecutors will decide on moving forward with trial preparations as the case proceeds through the Maricopa County court system.
For Chandler residents, the case serves as a reminder to watch for signs of elder neglect and to report concerns to local authorities or adult protective services. Police and social agencies rely on community reporting to help protect vulnerable residents and to develop evidence when allegations first arise.
WE NEWS will follow court filings and local agency responses as the case moves forward and will provide updates to the community.
