An 87-year-old man was possibly beaten to death inside his Garden Grove apartment Wednesday evening, Nov. 2, police said, with a man arrested for the killing after neighbors helped the victim’s son hold him down until officers arrived.
The attack unfolded inside Chuong Pham’s apartment.
His son discovered his father’s body on the floor of the apartment in the 9900 block of Central Avenue at around 7:30 p.m. after coming home from work. The man believed to have attacked Pham was still inside.
The son called 911 and sought the help of neighbors, who held the suspect down on the ground outside of the unit until officers got to the apartment complex.
Mario Brancato, 26, was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder, Garden Grove Sgt. Nick Jensen said.
The victim’s son did not recognize Brancato, and police believe there was no connection between Pham and his suspected attacker.
Jensen said police believe Brancato may have beaten Pham to death and that Brancato was homeless.
“There were no weapons — guns or knives — found at the scene,” Jensen said. “So, initially, it looks like an assault, but the coroner will take a look and then we’ll know more.”
A possible motive was unclear.
