LOS ANGELES–Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the suspicious death of an 82-year-old male at a California hospital.
The incident occurred on December 17 at approximately 9:45 a.m. at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster.
Detectives have learned that the victim was at Antelope Valley Hospital receiving treatment for Covid-19. He was housed in a two-person room inside the hospital with the suspect, who was also there receiving treatment. The suspect became upset when the victim started to pray. He then struck the victim with an oxygen tank.
The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on December 18 at approximately 10:20 a.m. The victim and suspect did not know each other.
The suspect, 37-year-old Jesse Martinez, was arrested and charged with murder, a hate crime enhancement and elder abuse. His bail is set at $1,000,000. A bail bonds company is likely to be contacted. He is set to appear in Antelope Valley Court on December 28.
The investigation is on-going.
