92-Year-Old Man Dies After Attack At Banning Nursing Home, Police Say

BANNING, CA — A 92-year-old patient at Banning Healthcare has died after his roommate assaulted him, the Banning Police Department said Monday.

The victim, Attilio Cecchetto of Banning, died at approximately 12:15 a.m. Saturday at a local hospital, police said.

"Our thoughts go out to Cecchetto’s family and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved one," the department said in a released statement.

Cechetto was a patient at the skilled nursing facility located at 3476 W. Wilson Street when he was assaulted shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday, May 8, according to police.

Cechetto's 76-year-old roommate, Sam Ato Timaloa, is the sole suspect in the assault. He was arrested by Banning police following an investigation into the incident.

Jail records show Timaloa, a convicted felon, was booked into Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of assault causing great bodily injury, causing the death of an elderly person, and attempted murder.

"Pending the completion of an autopsy, the Banning Police Department will work with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the charge of murder will
be sought against the suspect ...," Banning police said Monday.

Timaloa was being held without bail and was due in court Monday, according to jail records.

Court records show Timaloa 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 Timaloa being placed in the skilled nursing facility.

A county Adult Protective Services case worker had been assigned to handle his affairs, documents stated.

It was unclear whether Banning Healthcare knew about Timaloa's sex offender status. Patch reached out to the facility on Monday, but a spokesperson declined to comment.

A GoFundMe page that states it is raising funds to help support Cechetto's widow, Denyse.

"His devoted wife Denyse is now facing emotional and financial hardship," the page states. "As legal matters unfold, your support will help her navigate this devastating time and cover immediate living expenses. Any contribution means so much.

"We’re raising funds to help Denyse with immediate expenses, but we’re also seeking advice from anyone with legal experience—especially in elder abuse or wrongful death cases," the page continues. "If you know an attorney or resource that could help her navigate through this nightmare, please reach out."