Suspect Arrested in Laguna Niguel Homicide

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — A Laguna Niguel resident was murdered Sunday night and another resident has been arrested in connection with the homicide, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Steven Richard Gilbert, a 59-year-old Laguna Niguel resident, was arrested in connection with the homicide of Thomas Robert Marston, OCSD Lt. Mark Stichter said. Marston, a 53-year-old Laguna Niguel resident, was discovered unresponsive just before 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Gilbert was arrested following the homicide investigation at the 29000 block of Palo Drive in Laguna Niguel.

"Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding an unconscious male," Stichter said. "Deputies arrived and found Thomas lying inside the residence, unconscious."

Steven was identified as a possible suspect but was not at the residence, according to OCSD's report.

"Deputies located Gilbert driving in a vehicle in the City of Mission Viejo," Stichter said. He was detained without incident.

Thomas was transported to Mission Hospital by Orange County Fire Authority, where he was pronounced deceased.

Orange County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators responded to the residence and assumed responsibility of the investigation.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears Gilbert and Marston were involved in an argument," Stichter said. "During the argument, Thomas sustained what appeared to be a stab wound; however, the Orange County Coroner Division will determine the manner and cause of death following completion of their investigation."

Investigators have not determined a motive for the homicide, Stichter said.

Gilbert was arrested for murder and booked into Orange County Jail, according to OCSD reports. He is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be in court on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000 or (714) 647-7044. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).

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