Laguna Niguel Teen Suspected In Father's Killing: Cops

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — On Friday after Thanksgiving, police helicopters circled a typically quiet Laguna Niguel neighborhood after passersby made a gruesome discovery. A man's body was found and his son was arrested on suspicion of committing the brutal crime.

As officers arrived to comb the scene, neighbors watched over back fences while deputies searched the Niguel Woods Park for evidence.

At approximately 3 p.m. Nov. 23, officers responded to find the remains of 59-year-old Christopher Ludwig, of Laguna Niguel on the trail off Highlands Avenue, according to the OCSD.

"His injuries were consistent with trauma caused by a heavy object," OCSD Public Information Manager Carrie Braun said. The coroner's office positively identified the body as the suspect's father, she said.

Maximilian Gregory Ludwig, a 18-year-old lifeguard from Laguna Niguel, was arrested Friday on suspicion of killing his father. He will appear in court on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

The investigation is ongoing, Braun said. Tips should be shared with OCSD Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

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