Please Help David Carlton Recover from Violent Attack

Hello, I'm David Carlton, a 63-year-old man who worked as a Live-In Caregiver for disabled senior veterans. I had been living and working at a Board & Care facility where the owners also housed individuals who were homeless or recently released from jail. In December 2024, a 47-year-old man named Samuel, an individual who is illegally in the U.S. from El Salvador. was placed by the owners in with me to share my private staff bedroom. Shortly after he moved in, Samuel was caught on video entering another resident's room without permission. Concerned about our safety, the resident and I immediately contacted the owners, but no action was taken to address our concerns.

On February 20, 2025, Samuel, who had been receiving a grant to cover his rent while searching for work, was informed by the owner that his grant had ended. He was told to either start paying $850 a month for the shared bedroom or move out that day. The owner later admitted to me that she knew Samuel had already found a job, despite initially claiming to have learned this from me. Samuel, feeling betrayed, blamed me for his potential homelessness.

Later that evening, while I was preparing for bed, Samuel violently attacked me. A former boxer, Samuel’s trained hands became deadly weapons. The attack lasted 20-25 minutes, according to witnesses and the police. I was knocked unconscious, and a nearby resident heard the commotion, saw Samuel assaulting me, and called 911. It took five sheriff’s officers and four taser deployments to subdue Samuel. He was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and other offenses, currently held on $1 million bail.

I was rushed to the local Hospital where I suffered severe injuries, including a fractured jaw that required surgery, multiple broken ribs, a concussion, facial and skull wounds requiring stitches and staples, and my lower teeth were knocked out. After surgery, my jaw was wired shut for two and a half weeks, and I was placed on a liquid diet. Due to the extent of the jaw damage, additional surgeries will be necessary over the next 6-12 months.

When I was discharged on March 4, 2025, after 12 days in the hospital , having no other options, I was forced to return to the Board & Care home, the scene of the violent attack. Unfortunately, the owners informed me that, due to my inability to work during recovery, I had been replaced and would not be paid. They also told me I would need to pay rent if I wanted to continue living there. I still endure severe daily pain from the injuries, especially in my left ear, jaw, chin, and ribs.

Case Information:

LA County Sheriff Dept. Case #025-01800-1698-054

LA County District Attorney Case #45804084

This incident is a tragic example of a violent individual illegally in this country attacking an innocent American citizen.

As many of you know, medical bills for trauma treatment, ambulance transport, and hospital care can be overwhelming. My medical expenses have already exceeded $90,000, and I have no insurance, no job, and no place to call home. I'm reaching out to my friends, community, and fellow Americans for help during this challenging time. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will go directly toward covering medical transport, hospital fees, ongoing care, physical therapy, medications, and mental health support (including PTSD treatment). Your generosity will not only help me recover but also provide me with the means to find a safe place to live, get back on my feet, and eventually return to work and rebuild my life. Your support means the world to me.

If you're able to help, I would be forever grateful. Thank you so much, and God bless!