| For Immediate Release Case # 04SF0739 June 07, 2007 |
Contact: Farrah Emami Spokersperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486 |
BOYFRIEND CONVICTED OF STABBING AND MURDERING HIS LIVE-IN GIRLFRIEND
SANTA ANA – Maynard Hatleberg, 50, was convicted today of stabbing and murdering his live-in girlfriend after an argument at their San Clemente home. Hatleberg was found guilty of second degree murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. He faces a maximum of 16 years to life in prison at his sentencing on August 10, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-35, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On or about July 10, 2004, Hatleberg took a knife and stabbed his live-in girlfriend, Debra Williams, 49, four times in the neck during an argument. Hatleberg, who had a history of domestic violence, was angry because Williams wanted him to move out of her home, as the defendant didn’t have a job and wasn’t contributing to the household. After murdering the victim, Hatleberg hid her body on the bed under a comforter and pillows and fled the house. Three days after the murder, the victim’s daughter found her mother’s body in her condominium. Hatleberg turned himself in to the police the following day.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Sonia Balleste of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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