Assisted-Living Center Resident Suspect in Maintenance Worker’s Murder

Suspect had been told he was not allowed to have gun


Healthcare facility managers involved in emergency preparedness for their organizations must ensure the process addresses a host of potential threats to the safety of patients, staff and assets, from floods and tornadoes to power outages and cyber attacks. Active shooters are a relatively recent addition to the list of threats, and, as one Colorado facility has learned, the threat does not necessarily come from outside.

A 95-year-old man recently accused of killing a maintenance worker at the Lafayette, Colo., assisted living center where he was a resident told investigators he thought staff were "trying to kill him and take all his money," an arrest affidavit from the Lafayette Police Department says.

Okey Payne was taken into custody in his room at the Legacy Assisted Living Facility shortly after the shooting which took place in the center's lobby, according to 9 News. He is expected to be charged with first-degree murder and two counts of felony menacing.

Police said it's up to the facility whether weapons are allowed inside, and a spokesperson for the center said guns are not permitted inside the community. She said the policy is included in the resident handbook.

Payne said he had been told previously by staff that he was not allowed to have a gun and that staff had taken a weapon from him and placed it in a storage facility, according to the arrest affidavit.

Click here to read the article.



February 10, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Healthcare Real Estate: Challenges and Industry Shifts for 2025

The hurdles include balancing expansion with financial constraints, the sustainability of office and retail conversions, and technological disruptions.


Geisinger to Build $32 Million Cancer Center in Pennsylvania

The two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility will be home to the cancer center with space for future growth of services.


Sunflower Medical Group Experiences Data Breach

To date, Sunflower has no evidence that personal information has been misused.


Strategies to Eradicate Biofilm Containing C. Auris

Understanding the speed and risks of contamination after room disinfection should inform managers’ environmental cleaning recommendations.


Man Attacks Nurses, Police Officer at Jefferson Hospital

The man allegedly attacked the staff members before being restrained and sedated.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.