2004, Oregon Patient Beats Mental Health Staff over Beef Jerky

Todd Van Dorn, 33, recently pleaded guilty in Marion County Circuit Court to a second-degree-assault charge as he admits beating a state hospital worker in 2004. He states that the staff person ignited his rage by throwing out his rule-exceeding supply of jerky. A hospital surveillance camera captured Van Dorn's assault on Valerie Aerni. The stocky patient punched Aerni in the face multiple times, then dished out more blows and kicks after she fell to her knees. Aerni's injuries included a concussion, black eyes and a broken tooth. This case is unique in that most patient-on-staff assaults at mental hospitals do not get investigated or prosecuted.