A 23-year-old woman who depended on others for almost every aspect of her daily care was found dead in a North Carolina home. Her name was Aaliyah Michelle Fortner, and she weighed just 84 pounds when she died. An autopsy later revealed that she had lost nearly 60 pounds in about six months. Investigators also documented injuries across her body, while medical examiners concluded that severe malnutrition caused by caregiver neglect led to her death. Now, the woman accused of overseeing her care is facing a first-degree murder charge.
The case first came to light on October 26, 2025, after Marlo Wallace became involved in a crash with a semitruck on Interstate 85. Wallace was taken to a hospital following the collision. While there, she reportedly told investigators that a deceased person could be found at her residence in Dallas, North Carolina. Police followed up on the information and went to the home on Greenbrook Trail.
Inside, officers found the body of Fortner, a nonverbal woman with autism who had been living under Wallace’s care. Vera Williams was also connected to the residence and had responsibility for Fortner’s care. Investigators subsequently arrested both women as they examined allegations of abuse and neglect.
The autopsy revealed just how serious Fortner’s physical condition had become. She weighed approximately 143 pounds at a medical appointment around six months before her death. By October 26, she weighed only 84 pounds. Medical examiners also found blunt-force injuries involving her head, torso, arms and legs.
The official cause of death was severe protein-calorie malnutrition resulting from inadequate nutritional intake due to caregiver neglect. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office classified the death as a homicide. These findings later became central to prosecutors’ decision to pursue a murder charge against Wallace.
Investigators also uncovered allegations of physical abuse inside the home. According to court documents, Wallace admitted to repeatedly hitting Fortner with objects, pushing her down, using a Taser on her and stomping on her head. Williams reportedly admitted to separate assaults, including hitting Fortner with objects and breaking a broom while striking her.
Prosecutors said some of the alleged abuse had been captured on surveillance footage. They also told the court that attempts had been made to delete the recordings, but investigators managed to recover them. The footage became another important part of the investigation into what Fortner experienced while living at the residence.
Wallace initially faced charges that included concealment of death from unnatural causes, patient abuse and neglect, and felony assault of a person with disabilities. In June 2026, prosecutors added a first-degree murder charge after reviewing the medical examiner’s findings. Williams remains charged with patient abuse and neglect and felony assault of a person with disabilities. She has not been charged with murder in the available reports.
The prosecution’s next major decision could have serious consequences for Wallace. In August 2026, Gaston County prosecutors requested six months to decide whether to seek the death penalty. The request came as the case continued to draw attention because of the victim’s age, her dependence on caregivers and the medical findings surrounding her death. No final decision on capital punishment had been announced in the available reporting.
Fortner’s former guardian, Glenda Watkins, has also described the emotional toll of learning what happened. Watkins said she had been very close to the young woman and considered her almost like her own daughter. She explained that difficult family circumstances led her to arrange Fortner’s placement in the home. The autopsy findings, particularly the loss of nearly 60 pounds, were especially painful for her to learn.
Fortner’s death has raised serious questions about the people entrusted with caring for adults who cannot easily speak up when they are hurt, hungry or frightened. She depended on others to provide food, monitor her health and keep her safe. Instead, the investigation has uncovered allegations of abuse and neglect that prosecutors say contributed to her death. As the criminal case moves forward, her family continues to wait for answers and accountability.