Boy, 17, Accused Of Attempted Murder In Attack On OC Deputy Sheriff Dad
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA (CBSLA.com) — A 17-year-old Orange County boy accused of attacking his father has been charged with attempted murder.
John Edward Kudla made his first appearance in court this afternoon. He's being charged as an adult.
The teen's father, now comatose, is an Orange County Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
In addition to three felony attempted murder charges, Kudla was also charged with aggravated assault, unlawful taking of a vehicle and a sentencing enhancement for causing brain injury and paralysis. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
Officers were called to the scene of the family's Trabuco Canyon home in the 21000 block of Shadow Rock Lane Wednesday morning.
The unnamed victim was found severely beaten. He remains in critical condition.
Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino told KCAL9′s Michele Gile the victim's mother called 911.
"At 9:35 a.m. Orange County Sheriff's received a radio call from the victim's mother, that she discovered her 50-year-old son inside the residence with severe head trauma," he said.
Authorities say the suspect attacked the victim -- with a large construction hammer -- while he slept. They also allege, after the attack, the suspect got dressed, ate breakfast and told other family members his father was sick and would probably be in bed all day.
Kudla is in custody on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a continued arraignment June 14.
Officials have not announced a motive for the attack.
