Not Funny

Hollywood actor Shelley Malil is accused of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing an ex-girlfriend more than 20 times at her home in San Marcos. The attack happened more than two years ago, on August 10 of 2008, but jury selection was only recently scheduled for next week (August 24–26). Opening statements for trial may begin August 30 at San Diego’s North County Superior Court in Vista.

The victim, Kendra Beebe, 35, nearly died from blood loss on her front porch, according to a doctor’s testimony at a preliminary hearing in February of 2009. Neighbor Charlton Lee was called a “hero” by a prosecutor; Lee reportedly disarmed the attacker of one knife used in the slashing and then wrapped Beebe tightly in blankets, which slowed her blood loss.

Prosecutors said Malil brought the first knife he used in the attack from a set in his Los Angeles County apartment. Beebe’s companion that afternoon, a local musician named David Maldonado, testified that he took this first weapon away from Malil early in the attack. Malil then grabbed a second knife from a counter in Beebe’s kitchen to continue his assault, according to the prosecutor.

Malil, 45, is charged with attempted murder on Kendra Beebe, felony assault with a deadly weapon on David Maldonado, and felony burglary.

Malil was previously known for his role in the comedy, 40 Year Old Virgin, released in 2005. Malil played the character Haziz, a coworker of the starring character.

Photo: Shelley Malil