The Sarasota Herald-Tribune

World War II Vet Recovering After Oxygen Tank Beating

The victim was a gunner on a bomber during the war

A 91-year-old World War II veteran is recovering after police say his caretaker beat him with his oxygen tank.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that 45-year-old Elena Erickson was charged Thursday with attempted murder for the May 15 beating of Michael Tristano.

North Port police say Erickson hit him in the head multiple times with the tank before leaving him on the floor to die. They say she returned to the home the next day, found him still alive and called paramedics. She denied any connection to the beating.

Five days later, Tristano told detectives Erickson hit him during an argument over her pay.

Erickson is jailed on $300,000 bail. It couldn't be determined if she has an attorney.

Tristano was a gunner on a bomber during the war.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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