Man Attacking Mother With Hammer Is Killed
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A man restrained and killed his claw-hammer-wielding brother as the brother attacked their mother in a brutal family argument at their home on the Eastside early Saturday, officials said.
The 69-year-old woman, Maria Nersesian, was in critical condition Sunday after the attack. Her son Setrak, 43, was in serious condition. Both were bleeding from the face and head when deputies arrived at their home Saturday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Benita Hinojos said.
Willard Nersesian, 45, had attacked his mother with a claw hammer as she lay in bed in a darkened room, Hinojos said Sunday. Setrak Nersesian came to her defense when he heard her screams, she said.
Willard Nersesian turned the hammer on his younger brother, who got Willard into a chokehold, face-down on a sofa, Hinojos said. After Willard ceased struggling, Setrak asked a neighbor to summon police.
Maria and Setrak Nersesian were taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. Paramedics pronounced Willard Nersesian dead at the scene.
The motive for the attack was unclear, although “there had been recent problems concerning (Willard’s) habitual drug abuse,” Hinojos said.
Willard Nersesian’s death is being investigated, but his brother has not been arrested, Hinojos said.
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