Update on Catherine Kieu trial
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:23 am
California woman sentenced to life in prison for chopping off ex-husband's penis
By Beth Stebner / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A California woman who cut off her estranged husband's penis with a 10-inch kitchen knife and then threw it in the garbage disposal has been sentenced to life in prison.
Catherine Kieu, 50, had been convicted earlier this week of the brutal crime and appeared in court Friday to receive sentencing.
An Orange County jury had named her guilty of aggravated mayhem and torture in April for the July 2011 assault. However, she can seek parole in seven years.
For Kieu's estranged husband, the sentencing spelled relief after he was mutilated. "I'm hoping this will be the last time I ever have to see her," he told NBC Los Angeles, adding: "I felt some relief, and it was a very sad day for me."
Prosecutors alleged that the Garden Grove resident drugged her ex-husband's tofu with sleeping pills and then tied him to a bed, crying out, "You deserve it!" before cutting off his manhood.
Kieu's defense had argued that she was molested as a child and had mental health issues stemming from the abuse, and said that her estranged husband, known only as "Gary" in the courtroom, had sexually abused her as well.
They added that she deeply regretted her actions.
The victim later told City News Service that he had hoped Kieu was given more time behind bars because of the severity of her crime.
"There may be a situation where I can be happy, but whole? Never."
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/c ... -1.1385799
By Beth Stebner / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A California woman who cut off her estranged husband's penis with a 10-inch kitchen knife and then threw it in the garbage disposal has been sentenced to life in prison.
Catherine Kieu, 50, had been convicted earlier this week of the brutal crime and appeared in court Friday to receive sentencing.
An Orange County jury had named her guilty of aggravated mayhem and torture in April for the July 2011 assault. However, she can seek parole in seven years.
For Kieu's estranged husband, the sentencing spelled relief after he was mutilated. "I'm hoping this will be the last time I ever have to see her," he told NBC Los Angeles, adding: "I felt some relief, and it was a very sad day for me."
Prosecutors alleged that the Garden Grove resident drugged her ex-husband's tofu with sleeping pills and then tied him to a bed, crying out, "You deserve it!" before cutting off his manhood.
Kieu's defense had argued that she was molested as a child and had mental health issues stemming from the abuse, and said that her estranged husband, known only as "Gary" in the courtroom, had sexually abused her as well.
They added that she deeply regretted her actions.
The victim later told City News Service that he had hoped Kieu was given more time behind bars because of the severity of her crime.
"There may be a situation where I can be happy, but whole? Never."
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/c ... -1.1385799