Randolph Nursing Home Assault: Elderly Man With Dementia Killed

RANDOLPH, MA — The victim of an alleged assault incident in the dementia ward of a Randolph nursing facility has died, the Norfolk District Attorney's office confirmed late Wednesday night.

At about 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, the victim, identified as 86-year-old James Schappell, was allegedly bludgeoned by his roommate at the Care One nursing facility on Thomas Patten Drive in Randolph. Schappell was transported to the Boston Medical Center, where he underwent treatment until his death Wednesday.

The suspect, 58-year-old Walter Rice Jr., was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a piece of furnishing within the room). Prior to his scheduled arraignment in Quincy District Court, he was ordered to be evaluated by the court clinician. Following that evaluation, Judge Mark Coven declined to arraign Rice and sent him to Bridgewater State Hospital for further evaluation, according to the DA's office.

Rice will remain in the custody of the hospital until he returns to court Sept. 21 for an update on the competency evaluation and potential arraignment.

The incident is under police investigation.

Image via Shutterstock