SHAMOKIN — In Shamokin, a woman is facing felony charges after the hypothermic death of her mother. Following the February death of 66-year-old Ellen Jackson, 45-year-old Mary Ellen Collins of Shamokin is charged with neglect, and involuntary manslaughter. Magistrate John Gembic set bail at $100,000 and Collins is in the Snyder County Prison. She’ll face a hearing next week.
Police tell us, Jackson was in an unheated home during a cold snap in February. The elder woman was injured, was found lying on the floor—uncovered—and Collin’s failed to summon help. Police say Collin’s wanted to avoid contact with police because she was afraid of losing custody of her child. The Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley ruled the cause the death a homicide.