An elderly Perth man who was subjected to what police alleged was a "cowardly and unprovoked attack" outside his own home has died in hospital.
Emiliano Lombardi, 84, had been in intensive care in Royal Perth Hospital since he was bashed two weeks ago.
At the time WA Police released graphic photos of his injuries, showing Mr Lombardi sitting on his bed and covered in blood with the right side of his face, and his eye, badly swollen.
Police said he was set upon about 7:00pm on August 16, after he went to investigate a disturbance outside his Henry Street home in East Cannington.
He was discovered by police who were conducting a search after a discarded car wing mirror that appeared to have blood on it was found.
Officers had been called to the area after a string of incidents police alleged were linked.
They included the indecent assault of a woman in her 40s, a man in his 20s being punched and robbed, a woman in her 20s being struck with a metal sign and graffiti being found at a number of locations.
Charges against man may be upgraded
Five days later, police arrested a 28-year-old man from Seville Grove.
Quade Karsum Jones was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Lombardi as well as a series of other offences, including indecent assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, criminal damage and possession of a slingshot.
A 24-year-old man alleged to have been an accomplice was also charged with a number of offences.
In a statement this morning, police said Mr Lombardi passed away in Royal Perth hospital last night.
They said homicide detectives had taken carriage of the investigation into his bashing and the charges against Mr Jones may be upgraded.
He is being held in custody and is due to appear in court again later this week.
