SUNBURY – A woman charged in the hypothermia death of her mother was in court Tuesday for a hearing and charges against her were bound to county court. A 90-minute hearing was held before District Judge John Gembic for 45-year-old Mary Collins of Shamokin, who is charged with neglect and involuntary manslaughter for the death of her mother, 66-year-old Ellen Jackson.
The News Item reports Collins’ brothers testified by telephone at the hearing along with an aunt, who were all upset with Collins lack of care for her mother. Police say on the day Jackson died, February 16, the home was freezing, and investigators had to wear heavy jackets and gloves while investigating the death. The woman had fallen in the home and police say Collins did not help her get up and didn’t call for help immediately. Collins was sent to Snyder County Prison on $100,000 cash bail. (Ali Stevens)