Thomas Markle Sr. is reportedly facing another serious health crisis — and this latest development could complicate the investigation into the disturbing allegations against him.
According to new reporting from The Sun this week, Meghan Markle‘s 82-year-old father has been diagnosed with dementia and moved into a Florida care facility specializing in patients with the condition. Thomas was photographed on Friday in Lakeland, Florida, sitting in a wheelchair as facility aides pushed him, FYI.
Related: Meghan Confronted Thomas Over Child Abuse Allegations In Final Letter — And Told Him THIS
But his reported diagnosis comes at a particularly significant time. As we’ve previously reported, Thomas is under investigation following allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material.
And now, a source tells The Sun that his alleged cognitive problems could interfere with the FBI‘s investigation.
Whoa…
Now, there has been no confirmation that Thomas’ health has actually halted the investigation. But his reported dementia diagnosis raises questions about investigators’ ability to question him as the case moves forward.
And the health update follows an already difficult year for Thomas.
The former Hollywood lighting director had been living in the Philippines before relocating to the US earlier this year following a stroke and a blood clot that resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. His daughter Samantha Markle had previously indicate that he’d returned to America for ongoing medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the allegations against Thomas surfaced after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered scores of images depicting child sexual abuse at his father’s former home in Cebu, Philippines.
Thomas Jr. reported the alleged discovery to authorities, while additional disturbing material was subsequently alleged to have been found in a storage unit Thomas left behind in Mexico.
Thomas Sr. has strongly denied the accusations, insisting in a statement last week that he “could never do what I’m being accused of,” and that it was all “just a bunch of sick lies.”
For her part, Meghan has issued just one statement addressing the allegations, saying she was “deeply distressed” by the news.
Now, with Thomas reportedly receiving specialized dementia care, another question hangs over this troubling case: How will investigators proceed? We suppose time will tell…
If you have sincere cause to suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources.