Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Woman Who Cut Off Hubby's Penis and Threw It in Garbage Disposal Found Guilty
A woman on trial for slashing her estranged husband's penis and tossing it in the garbage disposal—and giving it a whirl—has been found guilty. Catherine Kieu, 50, was convicted today of aggravated mayhem and torture, reports City News Service. The jury returned the verdict after deliberating just a few hours this morning.
Prosecutors say Kieu carefully planned out the July 11, 2011 attack.
During closing arguments, Kieu's public defender, Frank Bittar, contended his client suffered from serious mental issues since she had been molested in childhood and traumatized during her childhood in a war-torn Vietnam. Additionally, he characterized Kieu as a "doormat" for her husband.
Further, Bittar said Kieu's husband constantly demanded sex from his wife, despite knowing it caused her physical pain and anguish.
Deputy District Attorney John Christl argued Kieu would not accept her husband's request for a divorce, with drastic consequences: "By refusing to accept it, she committed a vicious act. She took away his manhood."
Ultimately, Kieu put sleep medication in her husband's dinner, then cut off his genitals. She put the severed organ in the garbage disposal, and ran the appliance. Kieu reportedly told police her husband "deserved it."
Kieu faces up to life in prison for her crimes.
Related:
Tainted Love: Woman Who Severed Husband's Penis May Have Poisoned His Tofu Soup
Alleged Penis Chopping Wife Pleads Not Guilty to Using Kitchen Knife on Hubby's Junk, Tossing it in Garbage Disposal
Penis-Chopping Wife Indicted Today Of Torture & Aggravated Mayhem
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
-
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.