A man who was allegedly assaulted at an assisted living facility in Connecticut last month has died from his injuries, according to police.
Authorities have identified the victim as 42-year-old Lance Allen, WTNH reported.
His death came weeks after he was found unresponsive and suffering from severe facial trauma inside an apartment at Briarcliff Manor in New London, which was reportedly the home of the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Matthew Ellis.
Officers were called the night of July 7 to the residence at 179 Colman St., where they discovered Allen around 10:15 p.m., police said. He was rushed to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in critical condition and died from his injuries on Friday, NBC Connecticut reported.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by News Times, Ellis and an unidentified woman — both of whom were found covered in blood — were still on the scene when authorities arrived at the unit. They each “appeared to be highly distressed and emotional” at the time.
Authorities said the apartment was discovered in shambles, specifically noting a broken entertainment stand and a knocked-over TV, as well as a “bloodlike substance on several surfaces throughout the room … consistent with a struggle having taken place.”
In wake of the violence, police said the attack on Allen appeared to be targeted.
On Monday, officers arrested Ellis and charged him with first-degree assault in connection with the incident. It’s unclear if he’ll face additional charges in Allen’s death.
Ellis initially told authorities the victim “drank too much” and “fell and hit his head,” according to the arrest warrant.
When authorities interviewed the woman present, she claimed she didn’t know what happened, but said the victim “was not assaulted, and did not hit his head on anything,” the warrant stated.
Few other details were provided, but authorities said an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
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