The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reports that it is investigating a homicide at a long-term care facility in the 900 block of Warwick Avenue in Thousand Oaks. VCSO says its deputies responded to the location around 4:40 a.m. on November 1, 2024.

Authorities say the call for service was regarding a residence who was agitated, had broken a window, and was possibly injured. The subject was also stopped staff from approaching him. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies located and detained the agitated resident who was identified as 58-year-old Thomas Buckley of Thousand Oaks.

Staff checked on Buckley’s roommate, 72-year-old Michael Patterson, and noticed severe injuries apparently caused by an assault. Medical personnel reached the scene and pronounced Patterson deceased.

VCSO investigators responded to the scene to assume control of the investigation. Police say the investigation indicated that Buckley had assaulted a staff member causing minor injuries before deputies arrived.

VCSO says Buckley was identified as the suspect in Patterson’s death. He has been charged with Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Vandalism. He is currently being held at the Pre-Trail Detention Facility with a $2,000,000 bail.