Full Breakdown
Daughter Accuses Nurse of Transferring Father’s Home Deed Days Before Death
8/29/2026, 9:18:23 PM
Core Event
In late August 2026, Nora Rowland traveled from Maryland to Conway, South Carolina after learning her 75-year-old father, Robert, had died three days earlier. Upon entering the house, Rowland discovered that a quit-claim deed dated April 17 had transferred the family home to the caregiver, Sarah Smalls, for five dollars. The deed was recorded by the Horry County Register of Deeds. Rowland says Smalls also obtained power of attorney in April and that bank statements show transfers from Robert’s account to Smalls after his death. Conway police placed Rowland and her partner in handcuffs for alleged trespassing while the investigation continues.
Background & Context
Robert began receiving in-home care from Smalls through Griswold Home Care in early 2024. Within weeks he was moved to a senior-living facility, and by the end of that month Smalls was named his power of attorney. Rowland, who had maintained weekly FaceTime contact, reported that communication with her father dwindled after Smalls assumed care.
Official Statements & Responses
Conway police confirmed they are investigating possible elder-abuse and fraud, but have not released further details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My dad was always a daddy’s girl type thing, so it was always me and him throughout my whole life,” — Nora Rowland
- “She tells me, ‘This isn’t the way that I wanted to tell you, but your dad died, and there’s a bunch of other stuff I have to tell you too. Just wait there,’” — Nora Rowland
- “I’m walking out of the house expecting them to come and help, and they put me and my partner in handcuffs immediately,” — Nora Rowland
- “If it contains all the correct information to meet the legal standard, then we record it,” — Deeds Marion Foxworth
- “It’s so easy for them to get taken advantage of,” — Nora Rowland
These statements illustrate Rowland’s personal experience, the registrar’s procedural stance, and the broader concern that vulnerable adults can be exploited. The case remains open as authorities examine the legality of the deed transfer and the caregiver’s actions.
