Lexington woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for husband’s death

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington woman convicted in the death of her elderly husband has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Carol Ann Hignite was sentenced Friday after being found guilty of first-degree manslaughter and wanton neglect of an adult. The case stems from a 2017 incident in which her husband, 76-year-old Leon Hignite, was found unconscious with visible injuries inside their home on Holly Springs Drive.

According to investigators, the reported assault occurred on September 25, 2017. Police say Carol Ann Hignite failed to seek medical help for her husband, believing he would recover on his own. When officers arrived on September 28, they found Leon Hignite had been lying on the floor for three days. He was taken to the hospital but died on October 4. The Fayette County Coroner ruled his death a homicide.

Hignite was initially charged with assault, but charges were later upgraded to murder. She was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter, along with wanton neglect.

The case, which has spanned more than seven years, concluded Friday with her sentencing.