A health aide in Southern California allegedly abused an elderly patient with Alzheimer's and then tried to murder a 6-year-old girl at her slumber party.
Joel James Gonzales, 28, was sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in state prison for the attempted murder of the little girl and sexual assault of the elderly woman, according to KTLA.
Gonzales worked as a caretaker at the Royal Gardens elder care facility in Camarillo, where he routinely worked with patients who had dementia or Alzheimer's, with regular access to the assisted living and memory care facilities.
On October 15, 2020, he was accused of attacking two patients. The first victim was cornered inside her room and pushed several times onto her bed, where Gonzalez was attempting to remove her clothing. She fought back until the suspect left the room.
He then targeted a 90-year-old female patient with dementia who he walked to a closet, locked her in, and allegedly performed lewd acts on her before staff began knocking on the door.
The following day, Gonzalez was arrested for breaking into a Camarillo home and refusing to leave when confronted by the homeowner.
He was released from custody shortly after and picked up by family members who allowed him to stay the night.
The family's 6-year-old daughter was having a sleepover that evening, and around 5:00 a.m. the next morning, the family awoke to loud banging noises.
"A teenager in the home was the first to investigate and saw Gonzales violently beating and choking the six-year-old victim in her sleeping bag," revealed authorities.
The teen immediately ambushed Gonzalez, knocking him off the young girl, while the parents held him down until police could arrive.
The 6-year-old was reportedly falling in and out of consciousness, and her face was bloodied and swollen as she was rushed to an area hospital.
She survived the attack; however, she suffered brain trauma.
On July 22, 2024, Gonzales was convicted by a jury of attempted murder, felony assault with intent to commit rape during a burglary, and misdemeanor aggravated trespassing.
A month later, on August 27, the 28-year-old withdrew his plea of not guilty by insanity and plead guilty to one act of lewd acts on a dependent adult and waived his right to a mental competency hearing, reported the media outlet.
"The defendant's plea and convictions today enable each of the victims to receive the justice and closure they deserve," said Sr. Deputy DA Tom Steele, a member of the VCDA's Sexual Assault Unit.
