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09/05/2025

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LAWIN.news

Indictments issued in Austin assisted living facility death during 2021 winter storm

by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news September 5, 2025
written by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news September 5, 2025
Photo Credit: KVUE
4

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has announced charges against Harvest Renaissance – Austin, LLC and two former employees over the death of 73-year-old Cynthia Pierce during the winter storm in 2021.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza stated that on July 22, 2025, a grand jury indicted Harvest Renaissance – Austin, LLC, along with its former Executive Director Mendi Ramsay and Wellness Director Rochelle Alvarado, for causing Injury to an Elderly Person.

On February 17, 2021, amidst a winter storm and power outages, employees at the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility allegedly failed to relocate Pierce, an elderly and disabled resident, to a warmer area, leaving her in a cold room with open windows. She was later taken to a hospital where she succumbed to hypothermia.

The grand jury’s indictment accuses the staff of negligence in failing to care for Pierce and not informing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission about the power outage. The DA’s Office claims that Ramsay and Alvarado, as senior managers, sanctioned the staff’s actions as part of their official roles.

In January 2024, the Public Integrity & Complex Crimes Division of the DA’s Office began reviewing the case upon a complaint from Pierce’s family. The DA’s Office collaborated with the Austin Police Department to present the case to the Grand Jury.

Travis County DA José Garza expressed condolences to Pierce’s family and emphasized that assisted living facilities should ensure the safety of residents, pledging accountability for those responsible for negligence.

Holly Ferguson, Pierce’s daughter, expressed appreciation for the DA’s pursuit of justice, criticizing Harvest for misrepresenting its capabilities and failing to protect her mother—a situation she hopes the case will rectify to prevent future incidents.

The Public Integrity & Complex Crimes Division is handling the prosecution, and all cases are currently in the 403rd Judicial District Court.

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Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news

Mae De Vera is a passionate advocate, creative professional, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Political Science from Saint Louis University and a law student of Arellano University, Mae is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through outreach programs and advocacy. With a background in digital artwork, event flyer design, ESL teaching, and business management, Mae brings a versatile skill set to her endeavors. She also embraces her love for nature through farming, integrating sustainability into her life. Mae’s leadership experience as a consistent school student leader reflects her commitment to making a difference. Today, she combines her creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful stories and initiatives that inspire change. Disclaimer: The views and beliefs expressed by the author do not necessarily represent those of LAWIN.news, its management, editorial board, or staff.

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