| For Immediate Release Case # 08CM11776
November 10, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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FATHER CHARGED WITH THREATENING TO KILL WOMAN DURING SON’S HOMICIDE ARRAIGNMENT
*Son is charged in separate case with murdering the woman’s friend
SANTA ANA – A father has been charged with threatening to kill a 19-year-old woman while at a hearing for his son, who is charged with murdering the woman’s friend. Michael John Needham, 54, San Clemente, is charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal threats and one misdemeanor count of battery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of one year and six months in jail. Michael Needham is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 17, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-46, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
Michael Needham’s son, John Wylie Needham, 25, was charged Sept. 2, 2008, with one felony count of murder for beating a female friend to death in his San Clemente home. He is being held on $1 million bail and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. John Needham is scheduled for pre-trial on Dec. 5, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
John Needham homicide case (Case # 08CF2532)
On Sept. 1, 2008, John Needham, an Iraq War veteran, is accused of spending the day with a female friend, 19-year-old Jacqwelyn Villagomez, in his San Clemente home. The two had an argument and Villagomez left the house. While Villagomez was leaving the residential complex, she observed another female enter John Needham’s home. Villagomez returned to residence and got into a physical fight with the other female. John Needham broke up the fight and the other female left the residence and called 9-1-1 to report the altercation. After the other female had left, John Needham is accused of severely beating Villagomez and leaving her to die.
When police officers arrived and entered the home, John Needham is accused of attacking the officers and attempting to punch them. The officers tased the defendant to stop the attack. The victim was found barely breathing and was transported by paramedics to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
Michael Needham criminal threats case
On Sept. 26, 2008, Michael Needham attended the homicide arraignment for his son, John Needham. At approximately 2:00 p.m., Michael Needham is accused of going outside onto the third floor patio at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. Two of Villagomez’ friends, 19-year-old Jane Doe and 24-year-old John Doe, had attended the hearing in support of their murdered friend and were also on the patio.