| For Immediate Release Case # 10CF1629
January 3, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
HUSBAND SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS TO LIFE
FOR MURDERING WIFE BY SHOOTING
HER IN HEAD AS SHE SLEPT
SANTA ANA – A husband has been sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison for murdering his wife by shooting her in the head as she slept after becoming upset over the couple’s financial problems. Michael Eugene Upton, 58, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty today to one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death.
The defendant lived in a Santa Ana apartment with his 57-year-old wife, Melva Upton. The couple was struggling to pay their rent as a result of lengthy unemployment and Michael Upton was upset about their financial troubles.
At approximately 6:40 a.m. on June 30, 2010, Michael Upton murdered his wife by shooting her one time in the head as she slept. He then took several Vicodin pills and called 911. When Santa Ana police arrived, the defendant immediately told officers about the excessive Vicodin consumption and was transported to the hospital. Officers discovered the victim’s body in the apartment.
When questioned by police, Michael Upton claimed that he wanted to help his wife, who did not want to live anymore but was too religious to commit suicide. The defendant admitted that he had not discussed with Melva Upton his plan to shoot and murder her.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray of the Homicide Unit prosecuted this case.
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