On October 6, 2010, prosecutors charged William McDougall, 81, with murdering his 94-year-old roommate by using a metal rod to beat him to death.
McDougall was recovering from hip surgery at a Santa Ana rehabilitation center when prosecutors allege his roommate, Manh Van Nguyen, 94, began singing in Vietnamese. McDougall allegedly became enraged and attacked Nguyen with a metal rod. Rehabilitation center personnel eventually restrained McDougall but Nguyen died from his blunt force injuries later that day.
According to rehab center personnel, McDougall and Nguyen had no history of previous conflict before the fatal incident. If convicted, McDougall faces 25 years to life in prison.
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. (P.C. § 187(a).) First degree murder exists when a person commits murder with premeditation and deliberation, or under certain circumstances such as by poison or drive-by shooting. (P.C. § 189.) First degree murder is punishable by 25 years to life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. (P.C. § 190(a).)
If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, you will need an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney who will aggressively defend you against the most serious crime in the state’s penal code. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of murder for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.
