Man accused of murdering elderly woman to appear in court

A man suspected of killing a 77-year-old woman at a Palm Desert apartment is expected in court today to determine if he is mentally competent enough to assist his defense counsel during trial.

Ryan Alkana, 32, is suspected of murder with an enhancement of using a weapon during a felony, court records show. He remains behind bars without bail at the Robert Presley Dentention Center in Riverside.

Palm Desert police responded to a call reporting “unknown trouble” in the 74000 block of Candlewood Street at 5:19 p.m. on Jan. 31, according to the sheriff’s department. Upon arrival, officers found an elderly woman suffering from serious injuries, officials said.

The victim, later identified as 77-year-old Mary Louise Brown, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

ORIGINAL STORY: RSO investigating assault of elderly woman in Palm Desert

Palm Desert Police investigators took over the investigation a short time later, and Alkana was arrested on attempted murder charges.

Brown died on Feb. 19 at the Desert Regional Medical Center, according to KESQ. Following Brown’s death, charges against Alkana were amended to include murder.

Man arrested for attempted murder of elderly woman in Palm Desert

The 32-year-old appears to have only one past charge in Riverside County on his record for speeding. The charge dates to March 2017.

Man accused of assaulting elderly woman now charged with murder