Tales of scorned exes who erupt violently during a divorce are nothing new for divorce attorneys in Pasadena. But the diabolical and brutal attack allegedly made by Catherine Kieu Becker is unlike anything we've seen in a while. Becker called 911, after she chopped her husband's penis off with a ten-inch knife. Sources close to the case say Becker became unhinged during divorce proceedings and rumors of her estranged husband's extramarital affairs.
It all started when the Orange County resident cooked her estranged husband, whose identity is being kept secret, dinner last week. Little did the man know that his wife had drugged him. According to police reports, after he passed out, Becker tied him to the bed. While he woke up, police say, Becker used a large knife to cut off his penis and then placed it in the garbage disposal.
Lt. Jeff Nightengale told NBC that Becker then called 911 and requested emergency medical help. Nightengale says Becker "told responding officers that 'he deserved it.'" Authorities have learned that Becker was outraged after arguing about an "inappropriate relationship" that had been going on during their marriage and that the couple is currently divorcing.
Orange County prosecutors have charged Becker with two felony counts. According to the Los Angeles Times, the 48-year-old faces one felony count of torture and one of aggravated mayhem with sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury and personal use of a knife." She had been held without bail since her arrest on Monday night and has undergone mandatory psychiatric treatment.
"Given the nature of the offense, it's standard operating procedure," said Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.
If convicted, she faces life in prison. Becker's is expected to plead not guilty at her
arraignment.
As of last week, her husband was said to be in stable condition. According to reports, he underwent surgery but the organ could not be reattached.