LEONARDTOWN, MD — Court documents released Tuesday provide new details in a Calvert County elder abuse case in which a 79-year-old woman was rescued from a home in Lusby where authorities say she had been confined and neglected.
Brian Matthew Zurmuhlen, 61, of Lusby, was arrested Monday by Maryland State Police from the Prince Frederick Barrack. He faces charges of second-degree assault and two counts of abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
Troopers responded March 21 to a welfare check at the residence after concerns from family members and others, including a delivery driver, about the woman’s living conditions. The woman’s name is not being released due to safety concerns.
According to charging documents, officers initially received no answer at the door. They observed the home secured from the outside with locked doors, padlocked gates and drawn blinds. A business card from Calvert County Adult Protective Services was wedged in the door, indicating prior welfare concerns.
When officers reached Zurmuhlen by phone, he delayed letting them inside for about 20 minutes and repeatedly hung up, saying he was sick. When asked if the woman could come to the door, he said “she could not because she does not know how to use the door,” court documents state.
After a supervisor intervened, troopers entered the home and found the woman upstairs sitting on a bed with Zurmuhlen. Officers reported she had bruises and abrasions on her face and body and appeared malnourished. She declined medical care and looked to Zurmuhlen before answering questions.
Investigators described unsanitary conditions inside the bedroom. The door handle had been reversed so it could only be locked from the outside, and a padlock was installed. Officers observed bodily fluids, including feces and blood, on the bed and furniture, as well as a bucket used as a bedpan filled with urine and feces.
Zurmuhlen told officers he locked the woman in the room so she could not go downstairs and to “keep her safe,” claiming she wandered. He also said the woman “runs into stuff.” The woman told police she was only fed soup and sardines and alleged Zurmuhlen had hit her. Emergency responders later noted signs of severe malnourishment.
The woman is not related to Zurmuhlen but had known him for about a decade. Family members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she is now safe and “doing much better.” They added that Zurmuhlen previously claimed he helped older adults manage their finances.
The woman told officers she worked remotely for the Department of Veterans Affairs but did not know how much she earned or where her money was deposited, saying Zurmuhlen “takes care of everything.” She also said he forced her to continue working even after she no longer wanted to.
Neighbors in the Gunsmoke Trail community expressed shock. Kiera Patterson Rice said, “The whole thing is crazy — I just pray for her and pray for their family.”
Vicky Belt said, “I was shocked. I thought that he was a nice gentleman taking care of his elderly mother. I had no idea what was going on over there.”
Neighbors said the woman was once active in the area, walking up and down the street and greeting people. Her sudden absence for months raised concerns, with some believing she had passed away.
Zurmuhlen is scheduled to appear in court in May. The investigation remains ongoing.
This case comes amid broader efforts in Southern Maryland to raise awareness about elder abuse and financial exploitation. Calvert County and neighboring jurisdictions have previously highlighted the importance of reporting suspicions through Adult Protective Services.
The Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack handled the response and arrest. No additional charges have been announced as of April 1.
Residents who suspect elder abuse or neglect are encouraged to contact local Adult Protective Services or law enforcement immediately. In Calvert County, concerns can be reported to the Department of Social Services or by calling 911 for immediate welfare checks.
