Burlington County Man Now Charged With Murder After Roommate Dies

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina says a man from Maple Shade has now been charged with first-degree murder after his roommate at a care facility died from the severe beating he received back in January.

Authorities say 51-year-old David P. Lake remains in the Burlington County Jail where he's been since January 19th after being arrested for assaulting 78-year-old Melvyn Waldo. Waldo and Lake shared a room 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 for a report of an assault. The investigation revealed that Lake had attacked Waldo, who is immobile and non-verbal, while the victim was in his bed in their room.

Get our free mobile app

Waldo died on March 5th at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden.

The Burlington County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. An autopsy determined the cause was due to complications of head and facial injuries.