I think the CA statutes related to “elder abuse” do NOT require the perpetrator to have a relationship with the victim. However, the fact that the crimes apply in cases where the victim is over the age of 65 would seem to suggest that the perpetrator must know the victim. Otherwise, the prosecutor is left with the burden of proving that the perpetrator knew the victim’s age beforehand.
Thanks for the info. The point about the perpetrator knowing the victim is over the age of 65 is key—someone breaking into a home likely wouldn’t. I still think that even under the CA statute it will be hard to prove unless this guy was a worker, caretaker, friend, relative, etc. If, as they are saying he’s a crazed nut who broke in with a hammer in hand, I suspect this charge will likely end up being dropped. JHMO.