The Davises, a couple awarded $4 million in a settlement in 2009 after a chimp attack, faced financial struggles and isolation as they aged. They met Min Zaw Maw, who became involved in their lives and was accused of taking advantage of them. Maw claimed to have spent substantial amounts on the couple’s properties, but court proceedings revealed questionable financial transactions. As the situation escalated, law enforcement got involved due to reports of suspicious activity on the Davises’ properties. The couple’s health deteriorated, and after St. James passed away, LaDonna ended up in nightmarish conditions, leading to a legal battle over her assets. Maw attempted to become LaDonna’s conservator, but she expressed opposition, stating that she never consented to it and accused Maw of fraud. Ultimately, a settlement was reached in November 2022, granting Maw $175,000 and possession of certain assets acquired through LaDonna. The case highlighted issues of elder abuse, financial exploitation, and the challenges of prosecuting such cases. Despite concerns raised by friends, neighbors, and law enforcement, the legal system had limits in addressing the exploitation faced by vulnerable individuals. The complex story of the Davises and Maw underscored the difficulties of protecting the elderly from financial abuse and the legal struggles that can arise in such cases.
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The California couple mauled by chimps: A story now even more unsettling
