Attempted Murder Charges Dropped Against Teen In Orange County
The Orange County District Attorney’s office has dropped attempted murder charges against an Australian teenager who was accused of trying to smother a 91-year-old patient at a Costa Mesa convalescent home.
According to an article in The Orange County Register, during the Feb. 18 incident, the elderly man, Ted Mastos, woke up to find a stranger smothering him with a pillow. Officials said Drougas got into the facility by gaining entry through an after-hours door used by paramedics and visitors at the 24-hour hospital. Once Mastos knew what was going on he managed to hit an emergency button by his bedside, which got the attention of hospital staff within seconds, the report said.
Even after staff got there, Drougas reportedly sat there in a confused state. A Superior Court Judge has now determined that the evidence in the case is not sufficient to try Drougas on attempted murder charges because he did not know Mastos and did not have any motive to kill him. Drougas was already found incompetent to stand trial soon after he was arrested, but medication he has been taking in county jail has improved his mental illness the Register report states. He still faces charges on one count of first-degree burglary and elder abuse. Drougas could face up to seven years in prison if convicted on all charges.
This is no doubt a tragic situation where no side wins. An elderly man has been traumatized by the incident. And a young man with what is probably a serious mental illness is in jail in lieu of a $500,000 bail. What’s more, Drougas who recently moved with his father from Melbourne, Australia, could be deported if convicted.
We hope Drougas gets the help he needs and the vigorous defense he deserves to keep him out of prison and get him the help he needs medically. If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Southern California, call one of our attorneys for a free consultation.
