Torture in Nursing Home Results in Death

Daily News Article Launched: 10/06/2008

Walnut Creek,California USA

A former employee of an upscale Calabasas assisted-living facility was charged today with torture and multiple counts of elder abuse stemming from the death of an 80-year-old resident last year and the alleged abuse of other residents.

Cesar Ulloa, 20, is scheduled to be arraigned today at Van Nuys Superior Court, said Deputy District Attorney Robin Allen with the Elder Abuse Unit. He is being held on $1.2 million bail.
Ulloa was arrested Thursday following an 11-month investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after an anonymous whistle-blower from Silverado Senior Living said 80-year-old Elmore Kittower was the victim of foul play.

Kittower died Nov. 6, 2007. An autopsy revealed the retired engineer died of a blood clot in his lung. However, the investigation revealed that he had been abused for months prior to his death.
Ulloa, of Reseda, was employed as a caregiver between February and November 2007 at the facilty that specializes in caring for Alzheimer's and other memory-impaired patients. Ulloa allegedly punched the victim and attacked him numerous times that resulted in numerous rib fractures and assorted injuries.

In addition to one count of torture, Ulloa was charged with four counts of elder abuse involving three other victims who were residents at the facility. If convicted, he's facing up to life in prison.