| For Immediate Release Case # 11ZF0127 April 16, 2013 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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WOMAN FACES TRIAL FOR TORTURING MAN, WITH WHOM SHE HAD A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP, BY CUTTING OFF HIS PENIS AFTER TYING HIM TO BED
SANTA ANA – A woman faces trial tomorrow for torturing a man, with whom she had a romantic relationship, by cutting off his penis after tying him to his bed following an argument. Catherine Kieu, 50, Garden Grove, is charged with one felony count of torture, one felony count of aggravated mayhem, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a knife. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison with the possibility of parole. Opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
At the time of the crime, Kieu and 60-year-old John Doe had a romantic relationship and lived together in Garden Grove.
On the night of July 11, 2011, Kieu is accused of engaging John Doe in an argument over the possibility of a friend staying with them at their home at a later date. The defendant is accused of then preparing dinner for the victim and lacing it with Ambien without the victim’s knowledge.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. John Doe became tired as a result of being drugged and went to bed. As he slept in his bed, Kieu is accused of tying the victim’s legs and arms to the four corners of the bed with nylon ropes. When John Doe awoke, the defendant is accused of pulling down his pants, grabbing the victim’s penis, and severing it with a knife. Kieu is accused of taking the penis to the kitchen, throwing it into the garbage disposal, turning it on, and mutilating the organ.
After attacking the victim, Kieu is accused of contacting 911 and reporting that John Doe was bleeding. John Doe then spoke to police dispatch and reported that his penis had been cut off by the defendant.
Garden Grove Police Department officers, who investigated this case, arrived at the scene and John Doe was transported to University of California, Irvine Medical Center. He was released from the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery.
Senior Deputy District Attorney John Christl of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.
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