The actor told the court during his three-week trial that he never intended to hurt his ex-girlfriend Kendra Beebe, who was stabbed more than 20 times during a bust-up in 2008.
Malil insisted he acted in self-defence and lashed out in the dark after he thought he was being attacked from behind following a scuffle with Beebe’s pal David Maldonado.
But the jury failed to believe his claims, and returned a guilty verdict on Thursday (16Sep10) at San Diego County Court, California after three-and-a-half hours of deliberating, convicting Malil of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was acquitted of a charge of residential burglary.
Beebe wept as the verdict was read out in court, and told the Associated Press she feared he would get away with the horrific crime: “I feel a sense of relief, but I have to be honest there is never a win in a situation like this. I was afraid because he was an actor that the people might believe his bad theatrics. I am pleased to see the justice system did its job properly.”
Malil faces between 21 years and life in prison. He will be sentenced on 18 November (10).
