A 95-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 85-year-old roommate in an extended care facility in Vernon, B.C.
The accused, John Furman, made his first court appearance Monday and will remain in custody until he makes a second appearance on Wednesday.
The Interior Health Authority told CTV News the alleged fatal assault took place Sunday night in Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s Polson Special Care tower, a 26-bed secured dementia unit for people with behavioral or psychiatric issues.
“We have been in contact with both families of the residents involved in this tragic event and our heart goes out to them,” the health authority said in an email statement.
“We are taking this incident very seriously and cooperating fully with police.”
Authorities would not say whether the suspect has a history of violence.
Vernon police investigators are still collecting evidence at the hospital in the ongoing investigation.
The victim’s name has not been released, and an autopsy will be completed Wednesday.
