Murder Charges Expected for Woman Accused of Running Over Relative

Murder charges are expected to be filed against a Newport Beach woman accused of running over her stepdaughter’s husband with her Mercedes-Benz last week, police said Saturday.

James Ward, 31, who suffered severe head injuries in the attack, died Saturday afternoon at Hoag Hospital, Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Matt Collett said.

His wife’s stepmother, Betty Young Davies, 58, was arrested at her home on suspicion of attempted murder and later freed on $75,000 bail, Collett said. The police officer said he expected the charges against Davies to be upgraded to murder, but he could not say what degree murder charges would be filed.

According to police, Davies had gone to Ward’s home in the 800 block of Congress Street about 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and then walked out of the home with Ward and his wife discussing family problems.

Davies allegedly got into the Mercedes, started the car, and with Ward standing in front of the car, accelerated and struck him, Collett said. Ward went over the hood, hit the windshield and was thrown into the street, police reports said. He later underwent surgery at Hoag Hospital.

Davies allegedly left the scene, and police later arrested her at her home in Newport Beach, Collett said. The windshield of the Mercedes was broken, Collett said.