Lake Forest Axe-Murder Trial Delayed

A trial for Oscar Luis Morlett III, the man accused of using an axe-like weapon to kill his stepmother in Lake Forest in 2013 was slated to begin this week but has been pushed back to Nov. 30.

Morlett has pleaded not guilty to murder. Investigators allege Morlett used a pick-axe in the attack on Jeanne Ellen Morlett, 66, at her Blazewood residence on Aug. 9, 2013.

Morlett faces one count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a dangerous or deadly weapon.

No motive has yet been revealed by authorities. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance call and discovered Jeanne Morlett at her Foothill Ranch residence. Her stepson was found later that day about two miles from the home, which is located near the Alton and Portola intersection.

If convicted, Morlett faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison.

On the day in which Morlett was charged with murder, Aug. 12, he was scheduled to be in court on misdemeanor charges of carrying a dirk or dagger, possession of a deadly weapon, a leaded cane, and having a passenger under 21 in possession of alcohol in a vehicle, according to court records.

City News Service and Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.