Man accused of assaulting elderly woman now charged with murder

A man is now facing murder charges after the alleged assault of an elderly woman in Palm Desert.

According to authorities, on the afternoon of Jan. 31.deputies were called to reports of an assault at a residence on the 74300 block of Candlewood Street. When deputies arrived at the scene they found an elderly woman suffering from major injuries. The woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Deputies arrested Ryan Alkana, 32, minutes after finding the woman. Alkana was originally charged with attempted murder but according to the victim’s son, his mother Mary Louise Brown, 77, never woke up from her coma and passed away on Feb. 19 at Desert Regional Medical Center.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s office confirmed they have amended charges against Alkana to include murder.

Alkana is being held on 1 million dollars bail and is set to appear in court on April 3.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.