VENTURA : Inmate Charged in Cellmate’s Death
A Ventura County Jail inmate was charged with murder Friday in connection with the death of his cellmate, authorities said.
Thomas L. Pollizzi, 57, of Palm Springs, was jailed May 11 for stalking.
On Aug. 14, Pollizzi was allegedly beaten by Alan Schaffer, 27, of Sacramento, and required hospitalization for a day. The victim was readmitted to Ventura County Medical Center Aug. 24 after he continued to complain of pain. Pollizzi remained hospitalized until his death Friday, jail officials said.
The Ventura County coroner said Pollizzi died of a blood clot that may be linked to the earlier beating.
Schaffer, who was jailed for vehicle theft, had his bail increased to $250,000 because of the new murder charge.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
