BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (FOX5) — A new community program is providing daily wellness checks for seniors and others who live alone.
“River Watch,” sponsored by Tri-State Cares, was created by community leaders following the Jan. 16 discovery of a deceased woman inside her Bullhead City home. Detectives believed she had been deceased for several months. There were no signs of foul play, but her home appeared to have been ransacked after her death, and her vehicle had been stolen.
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This week, as the “River Watch” program officially launched, Bullhead City Police also made an arrest in connection with the case.
Arrest made in connection with case
During the investigation, detectives identified 39-year-old David Justin Papineau as the suspect who entered the woman’s home after learning she had died. He did not contact emergency personnel and instead entered the home while her body was in a state of decomposition, according to police.
Papineau reportedly stole her vehicle keys and title, drove her vehicle and later sold it to another person after fraudulently signing the title, police said.
Papineau was arrested on charges of burglary, theft of means of transportation and fraudulent schemes. He was booked into the Mohave County Jail in Kingman.
About the program
The free program provides daily check-ins for seniors, people with disabilities and anyone who lives alone. It consists of a daily call, email or text to help confirm someone is OK.
“River Watch” is available to residents in Bullhead City, Laughlin, Topock, Oatman, Fort Mohave and Mohave Valley.
Residents can sign up a loved one, neighbor or friend who lives alone at www.tristatecares.com. Those unable to register online can call Tri-State Cares, and a representative will visit their residence to help complete the paperwork.
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