There are questions about the level of security at a long-term care facility in Scarborough where 72-year old Joycelyn Dickson was found dead late Wednesday night in her room. That same evening, a 91 year old woman was assaulted in her room, one floor up.

The Star quotes residents of Wexford Residence on Lawrence east as saying the elderly man who allegedly attacked these two women with his cane "had a history of acting out".

They say he was energetic and prone to outbursts and some of the residents were afraid of him. They say, that Brooks knew both of the victims in Wednesday's attack.

One woman who's mother used to live at Wexford tells the Star, the accused was moved up to the third floor at one point because of complaints.

There was no comment from the executive director of The Wexford, but she did issue a statement saying "We want to reassure all family members that our residents, tenants and staff are safe and secure."

The Canadian Union of Public Employees which represents unionized staff at Wexford says the staff went to management last week about the man's violent behaviour.

Residents claim that the accused, 72 year old Peter Brooks was mostly in a wheelchair but could get around with his cane.

(files by D. Agar and M. Rosa)