HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) - An 83-year-old Massachusetts man who authorities say beat his nursing home roommate to death with his walker has been ordered held without bail.

WBZ-TV reports Jose Veguilla was arraigned Monday in Haverhill District Court and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Prosecutors say he swung his walker at the head of 76-year-old Robert Boucher, his roommate at Oxford Manor in Haverhill. Boucher died at the hospital of his injuries.

Veguilla’s son told the station his father suffers from dementia but has no history of violence. He also criticized staff for not responding faster to the incident and making sure his father was properly taking his medications.

A court-appointed psychologist said Veguilla had “no rational appreciation” for what he did.

___

Information from: WBZ-TV, http://cbsboston.com

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.