The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced that a resident of Thousand Oaks Nursing Home has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his roommate.
At 4:40 a.m. Friday, deputies responded to the Silverado Memory Care Facility on Warwick Street for a report of an agitated resident breaking a window, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Officers found resident Thomas Buckley, 58, in a common area of the facility and took him into custody, authorities said. Nursing home staff later checked on her roommate, 72-year-old Michael Patterson, and found that he had sustained serious injuries that appeared to be the result of an assault.
Paramedics were called to the scene, but Patterson was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said.
Before officers arrived, Buckley assaulted an employee at the facility, causing minor injuries, investigators said.
Patterson’s death is being investigated as a homicide. The Ventura County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
According to the sheriff’s office, Buckley was arrested on suspicion of murder, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, with bail set at $2 million. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ventura County Superior Court.
Silverado released a statement about the incident on Sunday.
“Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy,” Silverado spokesman Jeff Frum said. “The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Gerardo Cruz (805) 384-4726 or Det. Eric Hernandez, phone number (805) 384-4729
