86-Year-Old Man Beaten to Death by Roommate in Dementia Ward: Cops

James Schappell was allegedly killed by his dementia ward roommate, authorities said.

An 86-year-old man was beaten to death with a piece of furniture wielded by his roommate in a Massachusetts dementia ward, prosecutors said.

James Schappell died from his injuries on Tuesday, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced.

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He had been transported to Boston Medical Center after aides at the Care One nursing center found him badly injured in a sequestered unit for dementia patients, Morrissey said.

Walter Rice Jr., 58, who shared a room with Schappell, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Quincy District Court judge Mark Coven declined to arraign Rice and ordered him to undergo a competency hearing at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Read: Unarmed Grandfather With Dementia, 73, Shot Dead by Police Officer

He is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 21.

The killing is under investigation by local and state police.

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