D.A.: Laguna Niguel Man Tried to Suffocate 91-Year-Old Hospital Roommate

A Laguna Niguel man was charged today with trying to kill his hospital 91-year-old roommate this week by suffocation.

The Orange County District Attorney’s office has charged Ibrahim Yousef Batta, 36, with one count of attempted murder and one count of felony elder abuse and could face additional time on his sentence for premeditation and deliberation ,along with causing great bodily injury to an elder.

The incident happened about 3:40 a.m. Wednesday at Fountain Valley Regional Medical Center, according to a D.A. press release. Nurses and a patient in another room entered Batta’s room to find him allegedly covering the unnamed victim’s nose and mouth.

In addition, Batta is accused of repeatedly punching the 91-year-old and causing him to suffer a broken finger, major cuts to his head and hand, and eye swelling.

If convicted, Battat faces a maximum sentence of 10 years to life in state prison. He is being held on $1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 27 in Westminster.