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Elderly man killed by transient
The 87-year-old's family said the victim was suffering from dementia.
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. - A homeless man suspected in the death of 89-year-old Chuong Pham in Garden Grove was officially charged Friday, according to police.
26-year-old Mario Brancato was charged with murder with special circumstances of murder during a robbery as well as robbery and attempted robbery with a sentencing enhancement for attempted premeditated murder, according to court records.
Still, the attack has left the community in shock, especially the family of the elderly victim, who is remembered for his kind-hearted nature.
According to Chuong Pham's daughter-in-law, Tam Doan, he was a family-oriented man who only spoke Vietnamese and enjoyed taking walks in the neighborhood.
Trung Pham's daughter-in-law suspects that Brancato followed her father-in-law, who often took walks in the neighborhood. Tragically, Pham suffered from dementia.
Although the family had installed a Ring camera to monitor him, it was only placed in the living area, as Pham did not want one in his bedroom. The camera footage showed the two men engaged in conversation, but the fatal assault occurred in the room without a camera.
Pham was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Officers were responding to a burglary in progress on Wednesday night when they found Brancato, held down on the ground by several people who lived in the area, officials said.
Pham was found unresponsive by his son at home. According to police, the son came home from work and saw Brancato inside with his father on the floor. No weapons were found at the scene but it appears Pham was beaten, officials said.
Chuong Pham
This heartbreaking incident leaves the community in shock and mourning.
Johnny Chavez, a neighbor across the street, was deeply upset upon hearing the news. His security camera captured what seems to be the suspect in red and another man, believed to be Chong Pham, outside. The incident leaves many residents feeling uneasy and concerned for their safety.
When the suspect exited the apartment, neighbors reportedly apprehended him and held him until the police arrived. The police subsequently took him into custody and booked him on murder charges at the Orange County Jail.
Right now authorities said there is no known connection between Brancato and Pham.