Nursing Home Resident Accused of Fatally Beating Up Man With His Walker During Fight Over Laundry Room

A 71-year-old Illinois man has been arrested after he allegedly beat a 61-year-old fellow nursing home resident to death during a fight over the washing machine, according to authorities.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, officers were called to Salem Village Nursing and Rehabilitation in Joliet for a report of an assault that took place on the sixth floor of the building, according to the Joliet Police Department.

Once at the scene, officers found the unresponsive victim, whose identity has not been revealed, in a laundry room.

During the investigation, detectives determined William Paschall allegedly became angry with the victim and his use of the washing machine, authorities said.

A staff member tried to intervene, but Paschall reportedly punched the victim in the head multiple times and then used the victim’s walker to hit him even more. The victim fell to the ground, police said.

Staff called 911 and rendered medical aid, but the victim was pronounced dead, officials said.

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Paschall was arrested and has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery of a person 60 years of age or older, authorities said.

He was booked into the Will County Jail and is being held without bond.

In a statement to WLS, the victim’s family said the attack was a “very senseless act” and the victim was “the kindest person you could meet” who “would give you the shirt off his back even if he didn’t have one.”