Caregiver Accused of Homicide and Fraud After Allegedly Removing Michigan Man from Life Support and Stealing His Money
- Victor Nwoko
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Michigan woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, after allegedly taking a 78-year-old man off life support without informing his family and subsequently cremating his body, all while embezzling funds and committing fraud.
Linda Polk, 52, of Clinton Township, was taken into custody on April 2. Authorities allege that Polk fraudulently obtained power of attorney over the elderly man, who had been hospitalized and placed on life support in October 2024. Acting under the purported authority, Polk reportedly instructed medical staff to remove the man from life support, resulting in his death on October 19, 2024. She then arranged for his body to be cremated without notifying any members of his family.
An investigation by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Polk’s alleged criminal activity extended beyond the man's death. She is accused of authoring a fraudulent Quit-Claim deed to take possession of the victim’s home and of embezzling a significant amount of money from him. Authorities also allege that Polk opened and used credit cards in the victim’s name. Clinton Township police are conducting a separate investigation into her alleged fraudulent activities.
Polk initially became involved with the family in the spring of 2021, when she was hired as a caregiver for the man's wife. By early 2024, the man’s health had declined, leading to his hospitalization. It was during this period that Polk allegedly seized the opportunity to gain power of attorney and carry out the subsequent acts.
She now faces eight felony charges: first-degree premeditated homicide, two counts of forgery related to real property documents, embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, three counts of identity theft, and two counts of illegal use of financial transaction devices.
Following her arraignment, Polk was granted a $1 million cash/surety bond. If released, she will be required to wear a steel cuff tether and surrender her passport. Investigations into the full extent of the alleged fraud are ongoing.
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