LANCASTER, Calif. – A 37-year-old man who was being treated for COVID-19 is accused of killing his 82-year-old roommate in the hospital while the elderly man was praying.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Investigators speak the Younger man, identified as Jesse Martinez, is facing murder charges with an increase in hate crimes and abuse of the elderly.
Martinez and the 82-year-old victim were housed together in a two-person room at Antelope Valley Hospital on December 17, when the attack took place. Both were receiving treatment for symptoms of COVID-19.
“The suspect was upset when the victim started to pray. He then hit the victim with an oxygen tank “, read a statement from the sheriff’s department.
The older man died of injuries the next day. Investigators say the two men did not know each other.
Martinez is due to appear in court later this month.