Burlington County Man Charged With Attempted Murder of Elderly Roommate

Authorities in Burlington County say a man has been charged with attempted murder after severely beating his elderly roommate at the care facility where they both live.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher J. Fletcher say 51-year-old David P. Lake lived at The Palace Rehabilitation and Care Center in the 300 block of West Mill Road in Maple Shade.

Coffina's office says,

The investigation began after Maple Shade police and the Maple Shade First Aid Squad were dispatched to the facility on the morning of January 17 on a report of an assault.

The investigation revealed that Lake had attacked his 78-year-old roommate, who is immobile and non-verbal, while the victim was in his bed in their room.

Coffina says the victim, who has not been identified, was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he was listed in critical but stable condition with severe facial trauma and bleeding on his brain.

Lake was taken to a separate medical facility for a psychiatric evaluation. He is being lodged in the Burlington County Jail.

The Courier Post attempted to contact a representative of the care center for comment but they were unsuccessful.