Hammer attack victim dies 11 weeks later
Posted: 07.25.2012 at 4:34 PM
Updated: 07.25.2012 at 4:40 PM
Dennis O'Dell  / Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Nearly 11 weeks after a man accused of being attacked with a hammer by his nephew was hospitalized, Colorado Springs Police officers announced he died at the hospital.

Officers said 53-year-old Terry O'Dell died Monday from his injuries. His nephew, 30-year-old Dennis O'Dell, is accused of hitting him three times with the hammer to stop him from letting a man into their home who Dennis was scared of.

According to court documents, Terry gave a man named Mark $120 to buy methamphetamine and told Dennis to go with him. Dennis had stated he was scared of Mark and called police to tell them Mark was trying to break into the home, which was a lie.

When Mark knocked on the O'Dell's door, Dennis told Terry he would kill him if he opened the door.

Documents stated Dennis told police officers he "hit him really good" the third time.

The death is the 14th homicide in Colorado Springs in 2012.

Dennis remains in jail, but his charges won't be upgraded until the District Attorney's Office reviews the case.

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