The Region - News from April 14, 1987

A 94-year-old woman was beaten to death in her bed at the Blythe Convalescent Hospital by another patient who now is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Authorities said Truda Berrischen of Blythe died at Palo Verde Hospital two days after the attack. Blythe Police Chief Bob Feemster said the case is being investigated as a homicide, although no charges were filed against the patient, identified as Dan William Choate, 65, of Ripley, Calif. Berrischen, who suffered from arteriosclerotic heart disease, died of cerebral injuries, caused by blunt force trauma to the face, and congestive heart failure, according to Riverside County Coroner’s Investigator Sabas Rosas.