*This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.*
A California COVID patient is facing murder charges after allegedly beating a fellow COVID patient to death.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Jesse Martinez, 37, is accused of killing an 82-year-old hospital roommate last Thursday at the Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect and victim were in a two-person room together when the incident occurred.
Martinez allegedly became upset when the victim, a Catholic, began praying. Martinez subsequently hit the elderly patient with an oxygen tank, causing fatal injuries, investigators said. The next morning, the victim passed away. Police said the two men didn’t know each other.
“(The victim) was housed in a two-person room inside the hospital with the suspect, who was also there receiving treatment,” a sheriff’s department statement said, according to Patch.
“The suspect became upset when the victim started to pray. He then struck the victim with an oxygen tank.”
LAPD spokesperson, Lt. Brandon Dean, said that Martinez was arrested at the scene. He’s been charged with murder and a religion-motivated and elder hate crime enhancement.
Martinez remains behind bars without bail. The victim’s name has not yet been released.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
