Riviera Beach, Fla.-based West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is facing scrutiny after one of its patients confessed to strangling his roommate, Stripes and Stars reported March 26.
The unidentified victim was found dead in a bathroom at the hospital March 16. His roommate, Christopher Schweikart, 33, allegedly confessed to strangling the victim.
Mr. Schweikart allegedly told two federal agents with the Department of Veterans Affairs that his roommate was talking about Vietnam and then entered their shared bathroom, startling him. However, he allegedly told a nurse that he walked in on his roommate in the bathroom before surprising and strangling him.
Mr. Schweikart faces a first-degree murder charge and could face up to life in prison or the death penalty, according to the report.
Florida Rep. Brian Mast is calling for a thorough investigation and possible leadership changes at the hospital.
In a previous statement, the VA told Stripes and Stars it "will continue to cooperate with the investigation and provide updates when possible," according to NBC affiliate WPTV.
Becker's has reached out to West Palm Beach VA Medical Center for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.