| For Immediate Release Case # TBA
|
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
WAR VETERAN CHARGED WITH
BEATING-MURDER OF 19-YEAR-OLD
FEMALE FRIEND IN SAN CLEMENTE HOME
SANTA ANA – An Iraq War veteran was charged today with murdering a female friend in his San Clemente home by beating her to death. John Wylie Needham, 25, San Clemente, is charged with one felony count of murder and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted. The People will be requesting $1 million bail at his arraignment tomorrow, Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2008, at the Central Justice Center is Santa Ana. The time and Department are to be assigned.
On Sep. 1, 2008, Needham is accused of drinking while watching television with a female friend, 19-year-old Jane Doe, in his San Clemente home. While Jane Doe was in one room of the house, another female friend arrived at the residence and Needham went into the living room to speak with her. Jane Doe came out of the room where she had been watching television with Needham and Jane Doe became involved in a physical fight with the other female. 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, Needham is accused of assaulting Jane Doe and severely beating her, and leaving her to die.
When police officers arrived and entered the home, Needham is accused of attacking the officers and attempting to punch them. The officers tased the defendant to stop his attack. The victim was found barely breathing and was transported by paramedics to the hospital, where she pronounced dead.
Deputy District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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