A California septuagenarian is behind bars after allegedly killing his nonagenarian roommate at an assisted living facility, but may soon see a reprieve of sorts, Golden State law enforcement officials say.

Sam Ato Timaloa, 77, currently stands accused of one count each of attempted murder, battery resulting in serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse resulting in injury, and a parole violation, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department records.

The victim in the case, Attilio Cecchetto, 92, originally sustained life-threatening injuries before finally succumbing to those injuries roughly a week after the attack in early May, authorities say.

Now, the defendant has been ordered to submit to a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental competency to stand trial over the fatal incident, a Riverside County judge ruled on Monday.

The case itself was also shuttled over to another court system, according to a courtroom report by Palm Springs-based ABC affiliate KESQ.

Acting on a series of motions filed by Timaloa’s public defender, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel ordered the evaluation and transferred the case to the Riverside Hall of Justice. There, a different judge will deal with the appointment of doctors and rule on the reports issued following those psychiatric evaluations.

The end goal, at least at this stage, for the defense, is to have Timaloa transferred for mental health treatment at a state hospital – which would likely freeze the criminal case against him in its tracks.

The case stems from a late-night incident at Banning Health Care on Wilson Street in Banning, a medium-sized city located roughly 30 miles west of Palm Springs.

At just before 2 a.m. on May 8, staff told responding officers Timaloa assaulted his roommate, causing “severe injuries,” according to a press release issued by the Banning Police Department.

At first, Cecchetto’s prognosis was not so dim.

“He was treated at the scene by Cal Fire and AMR personnel before being transported to a local trauma hospital,” the press release reads. “The victim was reported to be in stable but critical condition.”

But by May 11, the victim had died.

Police and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office are said to be considering adding a murder charge against Timaloa, pending the results of an autopsy, KESQ and Patch reported at the time.

“Pending the completion of an autopsy, the Banning Police Department will work with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the charge of murder will be sought against the suspect,” the police department said.

At the time of his arrest, Timaloa was on active parole for murder in the second degree, police said. Before that, he was convicted of rape by force or fear, attempted murder and domestic violence.

The defendant is currently being detained at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on $1 million bail.

The 92-year-0ld’s family started a GoFundMe for his widow, Denyse Cecchetto, as she deals with “emotional and financial hardship.”