A Jackson Township man has been indicted by a Stark County grand jury in connection with the death of his bedridden mother, who investigators allege died from hypothermia and environmental exposure inside an unheated home earlier this year.
According to Stark County Common Pleas Court records, Paul Eric Yeager, 64, of Jackson Township, was indicted July 16 on one count of reckless homicide, a third-degree felony, and one count of failing to provide for a functionally impaired person, a fourth-degree felony.
The indictment alleges that on or about Jan. 28, 2026, Yeager recklessly caused the death of his mother, Paula Blankenship, 91, who died from hypothermia and environmental exposure while bedridden in an unheated home on Lawnview Street NW in Jackson Township.
Prosecutors allege Yeager was Blankenship’s sole caretaker after voluntarily assuming responsibility for her care while living with her. The indictment states he recklessly failed to provide the treatment, care, goods or services necessary to maintain her health and safety.
According to the charging documents, Blankenship died from hypothermia and environmental exposure while bedridden in the unheated residence.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Township Police Department.
Court records show Yeager’s bond was set at $10,000. However, he was released on his own recognizance under pretrial supervision, with conditions ordered by the court, according to the docket.
Court records also show attorneys Andrew Glantz and Ty A. Graham have filed notices of appearance on Yeager’s behalf.
The case is pending in Stark County Common Pleas Court.
