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December 31, 2020: Patient Charged With Killing Roommate at Antelope Valley Hospital
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A Lancaster man admitted into a hospital has been charged with killing another patient at the Antelope Valley Hospital last week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced today.
Jesse Martinez (dob 12/5/83) was charged in case MA080377 with one count each of murder and elder abuse resulting in death. He also faces a hate crime allegation.
The case was filed on December 21. His arraignment is scheduled today in Department A01 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Antelope Valley Branch.
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. Martinez is accused of striking the victim in the head several times with an oxygen tank.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of 28 years to life in state prison.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
