Death of Baltimore Man at Johns Hopkins Hospital Classified as Homicide

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Police Department has confirmed that the death of 63-year-old Paul Bertonazzi, who passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital in January, has been ruled a homicide. Bertonazzi was admitted to the hospital on January 7 after experiencing a behavioral crisis.

Authorities reported that Bertonazzi died on January 12 due to trauma sustained to his body. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner made the homicide ruling on November 1.

Prior to his hospitalization, Bertonazzi had reportedly threatened to harm himself and others, prompting police intervention. Officers were dispatched to a restaurant located in the 1200 block of Orleans Street, where they encountered Bertonazzi. Emergency medical personnel were also called to the scene, but Bertonazzi became aggressive and declined assistance.

The Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigation Response Team is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Office of the Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division was contacted but determined that the incident did not involve police custody at the time of Bertonazzi's injuries.

In a statement, the Attorney General's office indicated that a review of body-worn camera and surveillance footage confirmed that Bertonazzi was not in police custody when he was injured, which is why the Independent Investigations Division is not pursuing the case as a police-involved death.

Johns Hopkins Hospital has stated that it cannot comment on the specifics of patient care due to privacy laws but expressed its commitment to safe and quality care. The hospital also affirmed its willingness to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Homicide detectives are actively investigating the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Baltimore Police at 410-396-2100 or provide anonymous tips to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

Reported by HarborBeat based on CBS News (source).