A 77-year-old man from California is facing serious charges after allegedly killing his 92-year-old roommate at an assisted living facility.
Sam Ato Timaloa has been accused of attempted murder, elder abuse, battery resulting in serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon, and a parole violation. The tragic incident occurred in early May at the Banning Health Care facility in Banning, California.
The Incident That Led to Death
The attack happened around 2 a.m. on May 8, when Timaloa reportedly assaulted his elderly roommate, Attilio Cecchetto, causing severe injuries.
Initially, Cecchetto’s condition seemed stable but critical, and he was treated at the scene before being transported to a trauma hospital. However, by May 11, Cecchetto passed away from the injuries he sustained.
Legal Developments and Mental Health Evaluation
Following the death of Cecchetto, Timaloa’s case has moved through the legal system. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel ordered Timaloa to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental competency to stand trial.
This ruling came after motions filed by Timaloa’s public defender, and the case was transferred to the Riverside Hall of Justice for further proceedings.
The evaluation aims to assess Timaloa’s mental health, and if found to be unfit for trial, he could be transferred to a state hospital for mental health treatment. This could potentially freeze the criminal case, delaying or halting further legal actions against him.
Timaloa’s Criminal Background
At the time of the attack, Timaloa was on active parole for a second-degree murder conviction. He also has a history of serious crimes, including rape by force or fear, attempted murder, and domestic violence.
Due to this history, his arrest has raised concerns, and he is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on a $1 million bail.
Possible Murder Charge
Initially, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and local police were considering adding a murder charge against Timaloa, pending the completion of an autopsy. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether this additional charge will be filed, as they await the autopsy results to determine the exact cause of Cecchetto’s death.
Family’s Struggles and Community Support
Cecchetto’s family has expressed their grief and started a GoFundMe campaign to support his widow, Denyse Cecchetto, who is dealing with both emotional and financial hardship following the tragic incident. The community is rallying behind the family, offering support during this difficult time.
The case of Sam Ato Timaloa highlights the dangers of unresolved mental health issues, especially among individuals with a violent criminal history.
As the legal proceedings continue, the family of Attilio Cecchetto grapples with the loss of a loved one, and Timaloa faces the possibility of mental health treatment instead of standing trial for his alleged actions.
