| For Immediate Release March 25th, 2004 |
Contact: | Mark Macaulay District Attorney Spokesperson (714) 347-8405 (O) (714) 323-4486 (C) |
99 CENTS ONLY STORE SUSPECT, CHARGED WITH MURDER AND ARMED ROBBERY, COULD FACE THE DEATH PENALTY
Westminster – The Orange County District Attorney’s office filed murder and armed robbery charges this afternoon against John Steadman Nilsen, 46, of Marina del Rey. Nilsen is accused of shooting 19-year-old Shawna Wolfgram during a robbery on January 29, 2004, at the 99 Cents Only Store on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. If he is convicted, a special circumstance allegation, murder during the commission of a robbery, makes Nilsen eligible for the death penalty. Nilsen is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail.
Commissioner Martin G. Enquist continued the arraignment until 9 a.m. April 8, 2004, in department W15 at the West Justice Center, 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683. Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy in the Homicide Unit is assigned to the case.