A California septuagenarian is in prison after allegedly killing his nonagenarian roommate at an assisted living facility, but he may soon be granted a reprieve, according to Golden State law enforcement officials.
According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department records, Sam Ato Timaloa, 77, is currently charged with one count of attempted murder, battery resulting in serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse resulting in injury, and parole violation.
The victim in this case, Attilio Cecchetto, 92, suffered life-threatening injuries before succumbing to them about a week after the attack in early May, according to authorities.
A Riverside County judge ruled on Monday that the defendant must undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental competency to stand trial in connection with the fatal incident.
The case was also transferred to another court system, according to a courtroom report from Palm Springs-based ABC affiliate KESQ.
Following a series of motions filed by Timaloa’s public defender, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel ordered the evaluation and transferred the case to the Riverside Hall of Justice. A different judge will be in charge of appointing doctors and issuing reports based on those psychiatric evaluations.
The defense’s ultimate goal, at this point, is to have Timaloa transferred for mental health treatment at a state hospital, which would likely stop the criminal case against him in its tracks.
The case involves a late-night incident at Banning Health Care on Wilson Street in Banning, a medium-sized city about 30 miles west of Palm Springs.
Timaloa assaulted his roommate just before 2 a.m. on May 8, causing “severe injuries,” according to a press release issued by the Banning Police Department.
Cecchetto’s prognosis was initially optimistic.
“He was treated at the scene by Cal Fire and AMR personnel before being transported to a local trauma hospital,” according to the announcement. “The victim was reported to be in stable but critical condition.”
However, by May 11, the victim had died.
Police and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office are reportedly considering charging Timaloa with murder pending the results of an autopsy, according to KESQ and Patch.
“Pending the completion of an autopsy, the Banning Police Department will work with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the charge of murder will be sought against the suspect,” the enforcement agency stated.
Timaloa was on active parole for second-degree murder when arrested, according to police. Prior to that, he was convicted of rape by force or fear, attempted murder, and domestic abuse.
The defendant is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on a $1 million bail.
The 92-year-old’s family started a GoFundMe for his widow, Denyse Cecchetto, who is dealing with “emotional and financial hardship.”
