Family Sues Agencies Over Death of Sacramento Man Allegedly Killed by Caretaker

Lawsuit claims city, county and state failed to protect Richard McClintic despite concerns about his safety

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic.A harsh, gritty close-up of handcuffs symbolizes the legal consequences and law enforcement involvement in this tragic case of alleged caretaker abuse.Today in Sacramento

The family of Richard McClintic, a 59-year-old Sacramento man with cerebral palsy who was allegedly killed by his caretaker, has filed a civil lawsuit claiming that city, county and state agencies failed to protect him despite concerns raised about his safety. Investigators say McClintic's caretaker, Christina Cowens, murdered him and stole his money. The family alleges they reported concerns that McClintic was being neglected, denied medication, and prevented from contacting family, but agencies failed to ensure his safety.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges in protecting vulnerable adults and the potential failures of social service agencies to properly monitor and respond to reports of abuse or neglect. It raises questions about the oversight and accountability of in-home caretaker programs and whether more can be done to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to the civil lawsuit, McClintic's family reported concerns about his safety to authorities, including allegations that he was being neglected, denied necessary medication, and prevented from contacting his family. However, the lawsuit claims the city, county and state agencies failed to ensure his safety. Investigators say McClintic's caretaker, Christina Cowens, murdered him and stole his money. Cowens is currently in jail on charges of murder and embezzlement.

  • In November 2025, Richard McClintic, 59, was found dead in his apartment.
  • Prosecutors believe McClintic was murdered in July 2025, more than four months before his body was found.
  • The civil lawsuit was filed on April 7, 2026.

The players

Richard McClintic

A 59-year-old Sacramento man with cerebral palsy who was allegedly killed by his caretaker.

Christina Cowens

McClintic's caretaker who is currently in jail on charges of murder and embezzlement.

City and County of Sacramento

Defendants named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to protect McClintic.

Department of Social Services

A defendant named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to protect McClintic.

Alta California Regional Center

The agency that hired McClintic's caretaker, according to the lawsuit, though the agency says Cowens was never employed by them.

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What’s next

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the court will determine whether the city, county and state agencies named as defendants are liable for failing to protect McClintic despite the family's reported concerns about his safety.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in in-home caretaker programs to protect vulnerable adults. It raises questions about how social service agencies respond to reports of abuse or neglect and whether more can be done to prevent such devastating outcomes.