Police say that a patient at a local psychiatric hospital was killed by his roommate on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old was allegedly attacked and strangled by his 18-year-old roommate at Belmont Behavioral Health in Wynnefield Heights around 11:20.
Hospital staff called 911 following the attack. The victim was rushed to Hahnemann Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police.
Authorities do have the roommate in custody, but are awaiting autopsy results to charge him, police said.
Belmont Behavioral Health sent out this statement Thursday afternoon:
Belmont Behavioral Health and the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating the death of a patient at Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this time and we offer our deepest sympathy.
The incident occurred Wednesday night just before 11:00 p.m. The victim, a 23-year old male patient, received emergency medical treatment at Belmont before being transported to Hahnemann University Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight. Another patient has been questioned by police in conjunction with this matter.
Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment continues to care for our patients, providing a wide range of behavioral health services for children through geriatric adults.
