Massachusetts

No Bail for 83-Year-Old Who Beat Nursing Home Roommate to Death With Walker

Officials say 83-year-old Jose Veguilla allegedly beat a 76-year-old man to death at the Oxford Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

What to Know

  • The fatal assault took place around 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Oxford Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
  • The 76-year-old man who died after being assaulted by another resident at the residential nursing facility has not been identified.
  • 83-year-old Jose Veguilla was arrested in connection with the assault and was taken to Holy Family Hospital for an evaluation.

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.

Jose Veguilla was arrested Saturday night in connection with the assault at Oxford Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Haverhill. Veguilla and the victim, 76-year-old Robert Boucher, were roommates, according to the Essex District Attorney's office. 

Veguilla was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital during his arraignment Monday in Haverhill District Court.

Haverhill police responded to the nursing home shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of a combative patient. Prosecutors say Veguilla swung his walker at Boucher's head.

Responding officers discovered Boucher suffering from physical injuries, and he was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Veguilla was also taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he underwent an evaluation.

The nursing home was providing additional support services to staff and residents while the investigation continued.

"The Oxford's heart goes out to the families of those involved in last night's incident," facility spokesperson Tim Brown said in a statement. "Based on our initial internal investigation, our staff acted quickly and appropriately in the matter."

Gifford Russel, a nursing home resident who knew both men, said he was closer to Boucher.

"He was a good old gentleman," Russel said. "He was a nice guy. He didn't deserve what happened to him."

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