Woman, 38, Who Poured Boiling Oil On Sleeping Ex-Husband Faces 17 Years In Prison
RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A 38-year-old woman who poured boiling oil on her ex-husband as he slept -- leaving him permanently disfigured -- faces up to 17 years in prison when she is sentenced later this month.
Karina Morrow of Moreno Valley committed the assault last August.
She's been held at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning in lieu of $1 million bail.
On Tuesday, the prosecution and defense informed Riverside County Superior Court Judge Matthew Peratoni that both sides agreed to a plea deal.
Under the terms of the deal, Morrow will plead guilty to domestic violence, mayhem, burglary and a sentence-enhancing great bodily injury allegation. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of aggravated mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon.
Peratoni scheduled a sentencing hearing for Feb. 28. On that date, the judge is expected to certify the plea deal and impose a 17-year prison term.
According to the District Attorney's Office, Morrow and the victim, identified only as John Doe, had divorced not long before the Aug. 20 attack.
The couple had two children together, both of them under 5 years old.
Morrow was staying the night at the victim's residence -- along with her kids -- when she apparently discovered her ex had been seeing another woman. Prosecutors theorized the revelation about the new woman infuriated Morrow.
In the predawn hours, Morrow went into the kitchen and heated a vat of cooking oil. According to the prosecution, she took the boiling liquid into the victim's bedroom and dumped it over most of his body as he slept.
The severely burned man was temporarily disabled -- even unable pick up his phone, according to the D.A.'s office. He ran out of the house, screaming to a neighbor for help, as Morrow fled in her car.
The victim was rushed to a medical center with burns over 65 percent of his body, including his face, according to prosecutors.
"He was significantly scarred," said D.A.'s office spokesman John Hall.
Morrow, who had no prior documented criminal history, drove to Los Angeles County and surrendered to sheriff's deputies that morning.
Because her offense was a violent felony, she'll have to serve at least 85 percent of her sentence before she's eligible for parole.
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