Missing Rhode Island woman on autism spectrum found curled up in SUV; caregiver charged

A Rhode Island community is both celebrating and seeking answers after a missing woman on the autism spectrum was found safe. Linda DaLomba, 45, was reported missing earlier in the week, prompting a widespread search for her. The turning point came when Savong Sam, who was at an SUV for maintenance, discovered DaLomba curled up in the backseat. Initially thinking she was a child, he quickly realized she matched the description of the missing woman and immediately alerted the police.

Thanks to Sam’s quick thinking, DaLomba was located in good spirits, though she is non-verbal and unable to communicate the details of her five-day ordeal. The circumstances of how she ended up in the SUV remain unclear, raising many questions from the community and her family. A concerned neighbor noted that DaLomba required insulin every two hours, expressing disbelief that she managed to stay alive and alert during that time.

In the aftermath of her rescue, police identified her caregiver as 43-year-old Roberta Gerard, who has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including abuse and neglect, as well as felony exploitation of an adult with severe impairment. The situation has left many in the community shocked and demanding answers about how such neglect could occur.

Family members of DaLomba have taken to social media to voice their gratitude for her safe return but are also expressing their outrage towards Gerard. They confronted her in court, expressing their feelings of betrayal after having trusted her in the past. Gerard, however, did not respond to their questions or comments as she left the courthouse.

As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, hoping to piece together the events that transpired over the past week while supporting DaLomba on her road to recovery. The incident has not only highlighted the importance of vigilance for vulnerable individuals but also the critical need for accountability and protection for those who cannot advocate for themselves.