Elderly Man Assaulted In Union County Nursing Home Dies Two Weeks Later

WESTFIELD, NJ — A 91-year-old grandfather died last week after he was assaulted by his roommate at a Westfield nursing home, according to News12.

Herman Walker died on Thursday, Jan. 19 and had been in the hospital for just over two weeks after an altercation with his roommate at the Complete Care Facility in Westfield, News12 said.

Chief Christopher Battiloro told Patch that the assault was reported to Westfield Police on Jan. 4 at around 5:30 a.m. The incident is currently under investigation by both the Westfield Police Department’s Detective Bureau and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

Battiloro said the agency has no further comment on the matter at this time.

Walker's granddaughter, Naliah Eden, told News12 that Complete Care informed the family that Walker got into a fight with his roommate and had a couple of scratches and bruises. But when the family saw him in the emergency room, she said what they saw was "horrific."

Eden told News12 that Walker was assaulted by 61-year-old Francisco Figueroa. She said her grandfather's face was swollen, his eyes were swollen shut and he was bleeding from his head.

Eden said Walker was only living at Complete Care for around six months. She said she is disappointed in the way her was treated there, according to News12.

Under Peggy's Law, which was enacted in 2017, police must be notified within 24 hours of an incident involving suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or other criminal harm. Where there is actual injury, the police must be notified within 2 hours.

Administrator of Complete Care, Asher Jacobs, sent an email to families on Jan. 21, informing them of the incident.

"At the time of the incident, our staff acted swiftly and responsibly in responding to this matter," Jacobs wrote. "They followed established policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure resident safety, and the matter was promptly reported to the appropriate authorities, as required by law. Both residents’ families were notified."

"The matter is now the in hands of law enforcement, and we will continue to cooperate fully with their investigation. We also have been in touch with the family of the deceased, whom our hearts go out to," Jacobs said.

The other individual involved no longer resides at Complete Care at Westfield, the letter stated.

"Resident safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. Our caring and dedicated staff consistently review and revise our policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure that all of our residents are, and remain, protected and safe," Jacobs said.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.