As individuals age, their mental stamina may not be as strong as it used to be. Therefore, they could potentially make decisions that they may not have normally made due to their fragile mental state. However, if an elderly resident attacks another person, they could still be at risk for facing assault charges.
A nursing home resident in New Jersey is currently facing such charges after an alleged incident in the home. The situation reportedly took place just before 4 a.m., and when emergency crews arrived on the scene, the suspect was sitting in a wheelchair outside the alleged victim’s room without any clothing on. It appeared that a leg support from the wheelchair may have been used as a potential weapon.
Authorities noted that the reported male victim had injuries to the face and head. It was suspected that these injures came from the suspect striking the man with the leg support. At this time, it is uncertain what may have led to the alleged attack. However, the 73-year-old suspect was charged with aggravated assault. He and the purported victim were transported to a medical center for evaluation.
Because individuals in nursing homes typically need assistance due to physical or mental handicaps, it could be possible that the man facing assault charges was not in a right state of mind. If his mental status is called into question he may not be held liable for his alleged actions. Further information on this potential factor in New Jersey criminal proceedings could shed light on what it could mean for his case.
Source: newjerseyhills.com, “Madison nursing home resident charged in assault“, Sally Capone, June 12, 2014
