San Diego
A San Diego man was ordered Friday to stand trial for murder in the death of his wife, who died after drinking tequila laced with strychnine.
After a preliminary hearing that lasted almost three days, John Morency, 47, was ordered to appear Feb. 15 in Superior Court for arraignment and setting a trial date.
His wife, Sue Morency, 30, fell ill July 31, and died in a hospital Aug. 5.
A prosecutor played a 911 tape in which Morency requested an ambulance, saying his wife was ill and suffered what appeared to be a headache. Agonized screams from his wife are heard in the background of the tape.
Morency had purchased a life insurance policy on his wife sometime before her death, according to testimony.
Municipal Judge Nicholas Kasimatis continued Morency’s no-bail status.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.