CHATTAHOOCHEE, FL (WTXL) - A teen being treated at the Florida State Hospital is behind bars in connection to the death of his roommate.
Jeremiah Heywood has been charged with second degree murder.
According to authorities, last month the 19-year-old beat Ruben Quinones.
Quinones had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital where he later died.
Police say the two were sharing a room in the specialty care unit at the institution when the incident occurred.
An autopsy determined the cause of death was delayed complications from blunt force trauma to the head.
The Florida State Hospital treats patients dealing with mental health issues.
The Florida Department of Children and Families released this statement regarding the incident:
The safety of the residents at Florida State Hospital and all of our state mental health treatment facilities is our top priority.
DCF involved local law enforcement immediately. The alleged attacker, Jeremiah Heywood, has been arrested and the Chattahoochee Police Department is currently conducting a thorough criminal investigation. In addition, DCF is conducting our own investigation and an internal review of safety protocol.
This year, the Florida Legislature and Governor Scott provided additional staff, security cameras, and personal alarm systems to increase safety at state mental health treatment facilities.
We will continue to put the safety of staff and residents first.
