Laguna Niguel Man Arraigned on Murder Charges

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — A Laguna Niguel man was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday for the stabbing-murder of his acquaintance after they argued in the victim’s home.

Steve Richard Gilbert, a 59-year-old Laguna Niguel resident, was charged with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a knife.

"If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison," Orange County District Attorney's Office Chief of Staff, Susan Kang Schroeder said.

Gilbert was scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 29, 2016 in Santa Ana.

Gilbert is accused of getting into an argument with 53-year-old Thomas Marston at the victim’s home in Laguna Niguel on Sunday, Nov. 27.

"The defendant is accused of stabbing Marston in the chest with a knife and fleeing the scene," Kang-Schroeder said. "A witness called 911 about an unconscious man in the residence."

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and emergency medical personnel responded to the home on the 29000 block of Palo Drive, according to OCSD Lt. Mark Stichter. They located Marston on the floor inside. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Gilbert was quickly identified as a possible suspect and was arrested driving his vehicle in Mission Viejo, Stichter said.

OCSD photo