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Charges Filed Against Woman Who Allegedly Tried To Cut Off Husband's Penis With Heavy-Duty Scissors

PALM SPRINGS (CBS) — Felony charges have been filed against a Palm Springs woman who allegedly tried to cut off her husband's penis with heavy-duty scissors, the District Attorney's Office said Thursday.

Virginia Valdez, 69, who was charged Wednesday, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 31 on one count each of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse and assault with a deadly weapon.

Virginia Valdez
Virginia Valdez (courtesy Palm Springs PD)

She posted $100,000 bail and was released from jail Dec. 5, two days after Palm Springs police went to the couple's residence in the 1700 block of Rochelle Road on Dec. 3 after getting a call from Valdez's husband.

"Officers made contact with the 62-year-old male victim, who reported that his wife had attempted to sever his penis with scissors, resulting in injuries to the area," Sgt. Melissa Desmarais said earlier.

He was treated at a hospital, and his wife was booked on suspicion of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and spousal abuse. Police did not say what precipitated the attack, nor was it clear whether Valdez returned to the home she shared with her husband after being released.

The case is reminiscent of that of Lorena Bobbitt, who gained notoriety in 1994 when she cut off her husband's penis while he slept. John Wayne Bobbitt, an ex-Marine, allegedly came home drunk and raped his wife.

Lorena Bobbitt was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.

» RELATED: Woman, 67, Accused Of Trying To Cut Off Husband's Penis With Scissors

(©2011 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)

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