O.C. man charged in ax slaying of stepmother

A 21-year-old Lake Forest man who allegedly used an ax to kill his stepmother was charged with murder Monday, authorities said.

Oscar Luis Morlett is accused of killing Jeanne Ellen Morlett, 66, who was found dead Friday morning at a home in Foothill Ranch, according to Orange County prosecutors.

Oscar Morlett was found about two miles from the scene and arrested by Orange County sheriff’s deputies shortly before noon Friday.

Prosecutors say the unemployed stepson used “a type of ax” to kill Jeanne Morlett. In addition to the murder charge, he faces a sentencing enhancement over the use of a deadly weapon.

Oscar Morlett is being held on $1-million bail at Central Jail in Santa Ana and is expected to be arraigned Tuesday. If he is convicted, he faces a maximum of 26 years to life in state prison, according to prosecutors.

ALSO:

Hannah Anderson ‘a victim in every sense,’ sheriff says

LAPD’s vehicle-impound rules violate state law, judge rules

Councilman Jose Huizar denies allegations in employee complaint

Twitter: @PalomaEsquivel

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com