Lake Forest Man Convicted of Killing Stepmom with Pick Axe a Decade Ago

FULLERTON, Calif.—A 30-year-old man was convicted Mar. 2 for murdering his stepmother in Lake Forest with a pickaxe nearly a decade prior.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges of insanity. A second phase of the trial will be held later this month.

Oscar Luis Morlett III convicted of first degree murder. Jurors found true a sentencing increase for the personal possession of a deadly weapons. March 13 was the scheduled start date for the sanity phase.

Morlett was convicted in the murder of Jeanne Ellen Morlett (66 years old) on August 9, 2013.

According to Seton Hunt’s trial brief, she was living with the victim, his father Oscar Morlett Sr. and brother Alex at 21 Blazewood, Lake Forest, at the time.

Hunt claimed that the defendant lived with his mother Lisa Powell for a while before being kicked out by Hunt. Hunt said that Hunt also added that Hunt took him in with his stepmother and father.

Hunt stated that Hunt found out that the defendant was unemployed and had been riding a bicycle at the time.

Morlett’s stepmother and father told the defendant they intended to “downsize” They were also moving so Hunt suggested that he get out of his house and go to a rescue mission.

“Defendant felt the victim was pushing him out of the house,” Hunt stated.

The defendant spoke to a neighbor about the incident on Aug. 6, 2013. “I hate my [expletive] stepmom,” Hunt. Hunt also stated, “I wish she was dead,” The prosecutor added.

Hunt stated that the defendant tried to poison his stepmother with patchouli oil.

Hunt explained that Morlett and his stepmother were left alone at home on Aug. 9, 2013 when Morlett’s brother and father went to work. Hunt claimed that Hunt heard three loud moans or screams from a neighbor around 10:45 am.

Hunt reported that the defendant dialed 911 around 11:18 am to report that his mother was the victim in a home invasion. But he managed escape the backdoor. Hunt stated that the dispatcher disconnected the call and it went to voicemail when Hunt called back.

Hunt said that deputies arrived at the scene and discovered the victim’s bloodied body. Hunt concluded that Hunt had pronounced her dead at 11:42 AM.

Morlett was taken to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, where he called 911 once more, picking up the phone again with a bloody finger, Hunt stated. Hunt stated that he claimed his stepmom had been attacked by gardeners.

Hunt stated that Morlett later confessed to investigators that he beat his stepmother with a pickaxe while she lay in her bed. Hunt stated that she sustained 17 puncture wounds including one to her lung.

Ed Beckett was Morlett’s lawyer. He stated in court papers that the defendant had been taking anti-psychotic medication for many years and was participating in group meetings at Saddleback Church for substance abuse. Beckett explained that while the defendant was in custody, he was held at Patton State Hospital for 15 months until his sanity returned and he could assist again in his defense.

If the jury finds the defendant not guilty due to insanity the defendant can be committed to a mental hospital until his sanity is restored. The defendant could spend 26 years in prison if he is found not guilty.