COVID-19 Patient Beats Elderly Hospital Roommate To Death With An Oxygen Tank

A COVID-19 patient has been charged with murder for his elderly roommate’s beating death at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, California.

KABC reports that 37-year-old Jesse Martinez beat his 82-year-old roommate to death with an oxygen tank last week. The man died from his injuries the following day. The two did not know each other and were both at the hospital being treated for coronavirus. 

“The suspect became upset when the victim started to pray. He then struck the victim with an oxygen tank,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.

The suspect has been charged with murder with a hate crime enhancement and elder abuse. According to the outlet, his bail was set at $1 million, and he is scheduled to appear in court on December 28.