GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County caregiver is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of a non-verbal woman with severe autism, nearly eight months after the young woman’s death.
Marlo Wallace, 59, appeared in Gaston County court Friday as prosecutors formally presented the upgraded murder charge in the October 2025 death of 23-year-old Aaliyah Fortner.
Prosecutors told the judge the murder charge took time because they were waiting on autopsy results before moving forward.
“The reason we had to take some time and wait and determine taking up charges involving homicide was we were waiting on the autopsy,” a prosecutor said in court.
Fortner had severe autism and was non-verbal, making her completely dependent on her caregivers. Investigators say the abuse she endured was extensive and repeated. Court documents detail Wallace tasering Fortner, striking her with objects, and stomping on her. Because Fortner was non-verbal, she had no way to report what was happening.
The judge denied bond for Wallace, keeping her behind bars. She is due back in court June 19.
Fortner’s brother, Caleb Simpson, made a point to be inside the courtroom Friday. Speaking with WCNC Charlotte just outside court, he said the murder charge was a step forward, but not enough.
“It paints a little bit better of a picture, but as far as justice goes, I think it’s going to have to go a little bit further,” Simpson said. “I’m going to say the state failed, not only our family, but failed Aaliyah, like horribly.”
Simpson said his family’s fight extends beyond his sister’s case. He wants to make sure no other vulnerable person is placed in a situation like Aaliyah’s.
“Watch who you trust. Everybody should be angry about something like this,” Simpson said. “Let’s say you sit there and you trust the state, and then they just fail you like that. Makes no sense.”
WCNC Charlotte investigative reporter Nate Morabito first reported that warning signs about Wallace’s home existed years before Aaliyah Fortner was ever placed there. Two years before Fortner’s death, courts took action to protect another non-verbal adult living in Wallace’s home — and despite sworn witness statements alleging abuse, a past police investigation, and a hearing officer revoking Wallace’s guardianship of a different dependent adult, Fortner was still placed in Wallace’s care.
Simpson said he came to court Friday with one purpose.
“Really just show that we care, and I wanted to make sure that Wallace seen that Aaliyah’s family was there,” he said. “My sister did not deserve to have her life taken.”
Wallace was previously charged with patient abuse, neglect, and assaulting a person with a disability, along with co-defendant Vera Williams. Williams also faces charges in connection with Fortner’s death.
Wallace’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 19 in Gaston County.
