92-year-old man dies after attack by parolee at Banning nursing facility
Update 5/12/25
The 92-year-old man attacked by the parolee has died. Police said the man, Attilio Cecchetto of Banning, was pronounced dead just after midnight on Saturday.
Police said that, pending the completion of the autopsy, they will work with the Riverside County District Attorney's office to determine whether a murder charge will be added to the suspect, Sam Timaloa.
Timaloa is scheduled to be arraigned on multiple assault charges today in Banning.
A GoFundMe page has been created to cover immediate expenses.
Original Report 5/8/25
BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) - A parolee allegedly attacked his 92-year-old roommate at an assisted living facility in Banning today, inflicting life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, a 76-year-old man, was arrested and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of attempted murder, elder abuse resulting in great bodily injury, felony assault and parole violations. He is being held without bail.
According to the Banning Police Department, patrol officers were called to Banning Healthcare at 3476 W. Wilson St., just north of Interstate 10, shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday to investigate reports of an assault on one of the nursing home's residents, whose identity was not disclosed.
"Officers discovered that the 92-year-old male victim had sustained severe injuries from an assault,'' Capt. Brandon Smith said. "He was treated by Cal Fire paramedics and then transported to a trauma hospital for further treatment. He was in stable but critical condition."
Smith said the ensuing investigation determined that the suspect was assigned to the same room as the victim and had allegedly attacked him, but there was no word regarding why.
The captain said a background check confirmed the suspect was on active parole and a registered sex offender. He was taken into custody without incident.
Court records show the suspect has prior convictions for forcible rape, attempted murder with a sentence-enhancing knife allegation and domestic violence. He was sentenced to 23 years in state prison in 2008 but qualified for early parole last year.
Documents indicated that he violated his parole last summer, at which point the court ordered a psychological evaluation. During that time, other unspecified health issues surfaced, evidently resulting in the suspect being placed in the skilled nursing facility.
A county Adult Protective Services case worker had been assigned to handle his affairs, documents stated.
