| For Immediate Release Case # TBA
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Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
HUSBAND CHARGED WITH MURDERING WIFE BY SHOOTING HER IN HEAD AS SHE SLEPT
SANTA ANA – A husband has been charged with murdering his wife by shooting her in the head as she slept after becoming upset over the couple’s financial problems. Michael Eugene Upton, 57, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of murder with the special circumstance of murder by lying in wait and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Upton is being held without bail and is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, Friday, July 2, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.
The defendant lived in a Santa Ana apartment with his 57-year-old wife, Melva Upton, and was upset about their financial troubles caused by the couple’s lengthy unemployment. At approximately 6:40 a.m. on June 30, 2010, Michael Upton is accused of murdering his wife by shooting her one time in the head as she slept. He is accused of taking several Vicodin pills before calling 911.
Santa Ana police officers discovered Melva Upton’s body in the apartment and transported Michael Upton to the hospital to be treated for the excessive Vicodin consumption.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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