Woman, 93, Allegedly Attacked by Friend's Caretaker

An elderly woman is clinging to life after her best friend's caretaker allegedly attacked her

A 93-year old Oceanside woman was clinging to life Friday after an alleged attack that was all caught on tape.

The man charged with the crime is her best friend's caretaker, William Sutton, 66. 

Margaret Wood suffered a broken nose and cracked skull after allegedly being beaten and thrown through her best friend's front door.

Richard Wood says doctors at Tri-City Medical Center told him his mother Margaret needs hospice care.

Granddaughter Lisa Wood and the rest of the family are struggling with the thought these could be Margaret’s final days.

β€œThe last three days, she declined considerably. She looks at you. She's not speaking much at all, and is in a tremendous pain,” she said.

Lisa recovered a video tape recorded April 16 on a security camera next door.

Lisa says the footage shows Sutton pushing Margaret through a screen door. She landed head-first, three steps below on concrete.

Richard says Sutton has been caretaker to Margaret's best friend, 92-year-old Marian Kubic, for the last two years.

The alleged assault happened at Kubic's home, during a visit from Margaret.

β€œI want justice for my mother. What is a life worth? What's my mother's life worth?” Richard said.

Sutton was arrested on April 17 and is charged with attempted murder and willful cruelty to an elderly adult.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to 14 years in prison. Sutton is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

The San Diego County District Attorney says Sutton was in court Friday for a readiness hearing. A preliminary hearing on this case is scheduled for May 4.

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