Shelley Malil Verdict: "40-Year-Old Virgin" Actor Found Guilty of Attempted Murder in Stabbing Attack

VISTA, Calif. (CBS/AP) A San Diego County jury found actor Shelley Malil guilty of attempted premeditated murder Thursday.

Malil was also found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon for stabbing Kendra Beebe more than 20 times during a quarrel at her San Marcos home in 2008. He was acquitted of residential burglary.

At trial, Malil's defense attorney argued that the "40-Year-Old Virgin" actor didn't intend to kill Beebe but acknowledged that his client "went too far" when he picked up the knife to attack her.

Matthew Roberts also tried to shift the blame for the incident onto the victim saying the two had a tumultuous relationship and described her as a violent drama queen who manipulated men and tried to make them jealous.

Deputy District Attorney Keith Watanabe countered that Malil, 45, brought the knife to the home and did not grab it in the heat of the moment.

Watanabe said Beebe was lucky to be alive and accused the defense of trying to taint the image of Beebe so the jury would acquit the actor.

"We had a smart, intelligent jury, and they reached the right verdict," Watanabe said after the verdict.

"There was a mountain of evidence that he was guilty. He certainly won't be winning an Oscar for his performance in the courtroom."

Beebe, 37, sobbed and hugged her best childhood friend, who stood beside her at Vista Superior Court when the verdict was read.

"I feel a sense of relief, but I have to be honest there is never a win in a situation like this," Beebe said. "I was afraid because he was an actor that the people might believe his bad theatrics."

Malil was ordered held without bond until his Nov. 18 sentencing, where he faces 16 years to life in prison. He faced 21 years before being acquitted of residential burglary for entering the woman's home.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER
September 15, 2010 - Shelley Malil Update: Defense Says Actor Had "No Plan" to Kill Ex-Girlfriend
September 1, 2010 - Shelley Malil Attempted Murder Trial: Actor Charged with Stabbing Ex With a Butcher Knife
September 2, 2010 - Shelley Malil Attorneys Question Ex Kendra Beebe's Credibility