81-year-old nursing home resident charged with murder in strangulation

Nov. 26--An elderly woman strangled at a Waterbury nursing home has died, and the 81-year-old resident accused of attacking her is now facing a murder charge.

Police were called to Autumn Lake Healthcare at Bucks Hill at 6 p.m. Saturday and found 76-year-old Patricia May suffering from what appeared to be a strangulation. She was taken to St. Mary's Hospital and initially listed in serious condition. Waterbury police Monday reported that she had died.

John Jensen was arrested at the nursing home Saturday and charged with attempted murder and strangulation. Prosecutors Monday upgraded his charges to murder, and his bail was set at $1.5 million.

Police have not said what prompted the attack and describe their investigation as active and ongoing.

The nursing home, at 2817 North Main St., is described on its website as a short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility. The home has received generally above-average marks in health inspections conducted for the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Inspections over the last three years found no deficiencies related to abuse and neglect or to nursing and physician services, and minimal problems with quality of life issues.

The home is part of a network of independently owned facilities that operate under the Autumn Lake name in Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland.

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