RANDOLPH, MASS. (WHDH) - Investigators say an elderly dementia patient at a nursing home in Randolph has died after he was badly beaten Tuesday morning with a piece of furniture.
The 86-year-old man was beaten by a roommate at the CareOne facility, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey.
The victim, identified as James Schappell, was taken to Boston Medical Center. He died Wednesday night.
The suspect, 58-year-old Walter Rice Jr., was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Rice was ordered by a judge to undergo a competency evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
Rice has not yet been arraigned. He is due in court on Sept. 21.
CareOne released the following statement:
“Our CareOne community of residents, families and staff is grieving today over the tragic incident that resulted in the death of one of our beloved residents. We have extended our condolences and support to both resident’s families and our thoughts and prayers are with them today. We also need to recognize the competency and professionalism of our nurses and caregivers who responded to this emergency to ensure that this situation was contained and that the emergency medical services for the residents involved were quickly provided.
We thank the local EMS and police as well for their swift response and support to our center. We are proud of the employees and physicians at CareOne at Randolph who work hard day in and day out to provide exceptional care to our residents and who have a demonstrated track record of high quality clinical care. We have been working closely with the police and regulatory investigation into this incident and will continue to support and inform that investigation.”
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