A 37-year-old Anaheim man has been taken into custody after another man was found dead in his own apartment. According to a CBS news report, the roommates of the victim found him in their apartment in the 1300 block of North Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana. Officials have not released any information that connects the Anaheim man with the victim, but they were allegedly acquaintances. The 37-year-old man is being held by the Santa Ana Police in lieu of $1 million bail on suspicion of murder.
California Penal Code 187 (a) defines murder as the “unlawful killing of a human being or a fetus with malice aforethought.” Homicide refers to all types of killing including manslaughter, justifiable killings, and murder. Murder charges always carry the most severe penalties.
“Malice aforethought” is defined a mental state in which someone acts with utter disregard for human life. Individuals who knowingly act in a way that can result in death without regard for life are behaving with malice aforethought and can therefore face murder charges. “Express malice” is when someone intends to kill the victim and “implied malice” is when killing results from an intentional act.
The penalties for murder depend upon the circumstances of the case. Individuals charged with willful but not deliberate or premeditated murder could face second-degree murder charges punishable by 15 years to life in state prison. First-degree murder charges typically result from willful, deliberate, and premeditated killings and are punishable by 25 years to life in prison. Individuals charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances such as murder for financial gain can face capital murder charges. Capital murder is the most serious murder charge and it can result in life without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.
If you or a loved one is facing murder charges, contact an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the criminal justice system. The quality of attorney you retain could make an enormous difference when the stakes are high.
David A. Stein is skilled criminal defense attorney with a track record of obtaining very successful outcomes for his clients. If you have been accused of a crime or need help with any criminal matter, contact our law offices today at (949) 445-0040 for a consultation or contact us online by email here.