Man Charged With Murder, Elder Abuse In Connection With Fatal Attack on Woman in Pasadena

Oscar Villamil, 43, pictured in a photo released by the Pasadena Police Department on Jan. 2, 2021. (Credit: Pasadena Police Department)

Prosecutors on Thursday filed a murder charge against a homeless man who detectives say assaulted an elderly Pasadena couple out for their morning walk in a seemingly random attack, killing the woman.

Oscar Villamil, 43, faces one count of murder and one count of elder abuse in connection with the deadly attack, which Pasadena police say took place at about 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 29 at Colorado Boulevard and Arroyo Parkway, said Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokesman Ricardo Santiago.

Arraignment was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, but delayed after the defendant missed his appearance, Santiago said. The reason Villamil missed court was not available, and the next appearance was yet to be scheduled.

Pui Gee Ng Lee, 80, of Pasadena, was initially hospitalized in critical condition but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning, according to Pasadena police Lt. Jesse Carrillo.

Lee was crossing the street with her husband when Villamil approached, and without any apparent provocation began punching, kicking and shoving the couple, police said.

The woman, who fell from a 4-foot-tall ledge and struck her head during the attack, suffered severe injuries. Her husband suffered lesser injuries and was released from hospital care, police said.

Sheriff’s deputies apprehended Villamil Tuesday morning at the Metro Gold Line Fillmore Station after a tipster spotted him on a train, recognized him from a wanted flier and notified authorities, according to police. He was then turned over to the custody of Pasadena police.

According to L.A. County Superior Court records, Villamil has a lengthy and violent criminal history which included two pending charges of battery at the time of his arrest.

Prior convictions include battery committed by an inmate on a non-inmate; vandalism; assault of a custody official by “gassing,” a term used to describe assaulting jail staff with bodily fluids; assault; battery on a peace officer; assault with a deadly weapon; annoying or molesting a child; two counts of battery; child endangerment; solicitation to commit a lewd act in public; and DUI, records show.

Bail for Villamil was set at $2 million.

Anyone with information can reach Pasadena police at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.