Man Stomped On Cellmate's Head 20 Times At Montco Prison: DA

EAGLEVILLE, PA — An inmate at Montgomery County Correctional Facility is in a medically induced coma following a brutal assault by his cellmate, the District Attorney's Office said on Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred on Saturday, March 30 at around 8:27 a.m.

Joseph Michael Hodum, 38, of Philadelphia was inside his cell with his cellmate, Stephen Klampfer, 50, of Norristown.

It's not yet clear what caused the incident. An investigation revealed that it began with Hodum standing at the cell door yelling, while Klampfer lay on his back in his bed, according to authorities.

Hodum later told police that he attacked Klampfer after Klampfer approached him from behind "in a sexual manner," according to an affidavit of probable cause. But authorities said that "directly conflicts" with evidence that Klampfer was lying in his bed leading up to the assault.

After a few moments of yelling, Hodum went over to Klampfer and began his attack, police said. Hodum repeatedly punched him in the head, and when Klampfer rolled onto the floor in an apparent attempt to escape, Hodum stomped on his head "more than 20 times," the DA said.

During the length of the attack, Klampfer never raised his hands to defend himself or fight back, authorities said.

The stomping continued after Klampfer was knocked unconscious, and Hodum did not stop until he was pulled off by corrections officers.

Klampfer was taken by helicopter to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia where he remains in critical condition.

The DA's Office said Klampfer had been put in a medically induced coma. He suffered a severe brain injury that involves his brain stem. He may not survive.

Hodum was convicted in June 2018 of conspiracy-theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling, and possession of an instrument of crime, according to court documents. He was serving out a sentence of four to 23 months, which was to be followed by three years of probation.

Hodum is now charged with attempted murder. He remains in Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is set for May 1.