Victim Of Montco Prison Stomping Remains Alive, In Coma

EAGLEVILLE, PA — For now, the charge against Joseph Hodum remains attempted murder.

Hodum, a 38-year-old Philadelphia man imprisoned a year ago on theft-related charges to a maximum of two years behind bars, is likely looking at a much more extended stay following an incident at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Hodum brutally assaulted cellmate Stephen Klampfer, 50, of Norristown, leaving him with brain stem damage and forcing doctors to put him in a medically induced coma, authorities said. It remains unclear if Klampfer will survive; as of Tuesday morning, he remains alive, officials confirmed.

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

An investigation into the attack continues.

According to police, Klampfer did not attempt to fight back, and did not even raise his hands to protect himself when Hodum began beating him.

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.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1.