Striking Results – Patient Charged with Killing Hospital Roommate in the Covid-19 Ward
LANCASTER – A patient admitted into Antelope Valley Hospital faces a possible maximum sentence of 28 years to life in state prison for killing his Covid-19 roommate. Jesse Martinez (DOB 12/5/83), of Lancaster, was charged with murder and elder abuse resulting in death.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on New Year’s Eve, “On December 17, the defendant was taken to a hospital where he was placed in a room in the Covid-19 ward with 82-year- old David Hernandez-Garcia,” said Greg Risling. “Martinez is accused of striking the victim in the head several times with an oxygen tank.”
Not only was Martinez charged with one count each of murder and elder abuse resulting in death, but he also faces a hate crime allegation.
The case, which was filed on December 21st, was scheduled for arraignment on New Year’s Eve – to take place in Department A01 of the Antelope Valley Branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is conducting case #MA080377’s ongoing investigation.
