| For Immediate Release Case # 12WF1139 May 9, 2012 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
|
WOMAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR VIOLENTLY BEATING VICTIM WITH ROCK AND SHOE
WESTMINSTER – A woman will be arraigned tomorrow on charges of attempted murder for violently beating victim with a rock and shoe. Minh Tam Thi Phan, 50, San Diego County, is charged with one felony count of premeditated attempted murder, one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon, and one felony count of false imprisonment by violence and deceit with sentencing enhancements for causing great bodily injury and personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 11 years to life in state prison. Phan is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, May 10, 2012, Department W-14, West Justice Center, Westminster. The time is to be determined.
On the afternoon of April 22, 2012, Phan is accused of meeting with Catherine H. to pay her $100,000 which she borrowed from the victim. The defendant is accused of driving the victim to an Orange County restaurant after convincing her that the money was there. The defendant is accused of going inside the restaurant and returning to the car to drive back home.
During the ride back, the defendant is accused of convincing Catherine H. to pull over into a residential area and parking in front of a house. The defendant is accused of getting into the backseat next to the victim, locking the car doors, pulling out a rock, and repeatedly hitting the victim over the head with it.
The victim managed to get out of the car during the struggle. The defendant is accused of continuing to hit Catherine H. with her shoe while chasing her. The victim suffered lacerations to her head and lost a tooth.
Witnesses contacted Fountain Valley Police Department (FVPD) and officers arrived at the scene. The defendant is accused of getting back inside her car and locking the doors and hitting herself in the head with a rock and pretending to pass out. FVPD officers arrested Phan after locating her car keys on the ground outside of the vehicle.
Phan posted bail for the assault with a deadly weapon charge and was re-arrested today, May 9, 2012, on attempted murder charges.
Deputy District Attorney Barbara Kim is prosecuting this case.
###