Man charged after New Year’s attack kills grandmother, injures grandfather

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that 28-year-old Joshua Philip Day was charged with one count of murder and one felony count of elder or dependent adult abuse with great bodily injury for an alleged New Year’s Day attack in West Covina. Prosecutors said the case is being handled by the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Section, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crime.

Authorities say Day repeatedly punched his grandparents, 74-year-old Priscilla Sesanto and 77-year-old Philip Sesanto, inside their home on January 1. Priscilla Sesanto went into a coma and died on January 2. Philip Sesanto survived the assault but sustained serious injuries. Day was arrested hours after the incident and denied bail. He is scheduled for arraignment at the Pomona courthouse as the criminal process moves forward.

Prosecutors noted potential sentencing exposure that could include 25 years to life, plus additional years if enhancements apply. The charging documents and the DA’s release emphasized that the allegations remain just that and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

For the West Covina community and families across Los Angeles County, the case highlights the risks older adults can face inside their own homes and the role local authorities play when serious injuries occur. If you suspect elder abuse, report it to law enforcement or your county adult protective services so cases receive prompt review. Neighbors and family members can also document signs of assault or neglect and preserve any evidence that could be important for investigations and prosecutions.

The arraignment in Pomona will be the next public step to watch, as formal charges are read and the court addresses detention and scheduling. From there, the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Section will handle pretrial procedures, discovery and any filings that shape whether the case proceeds to trial.

This prosecution signals priority treatment for alleged violence against seniors in the county justice system and may influence how similar cases are charged locally. Follow the Pomona courthouse docket or contact the court clerk for updates on hearing dates and filings as the case develops.