Watch CBS News

Trial Begins For OC Woman Accused Of Cutting Off Her Husband's Genitals

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Opening arguments began Wednesday morning in the trial of an Orange County woman accused of cutting off her husband's penis and running it through a garbage disposal.

Catherine Kieu, 48, of Garden Grove, has pleaded not guilty to charges of torture and aggravated mayhem. If convicted, she faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors say the woman and her husband had an argument in July 2010 at their Garden Grove home.

When he fell asleep that night, authorities say she tied him up, then woke him and cut off his genitals with a kitchen knife.

After allegedly throwing the body parts in the garbage disposal, Kieu called 911 and told police that her husband "deserved it," according to authorities.

The couple were reportedly going through a divorce at the time of the attack.

Kieu is being held on $1 million bail.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

RELATED: Woman Allegedly Cuts Off Husband's Penis, Puts It In Garbage Disposal

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.