An actor who appeared in the film "40-Year-Old Virgin" was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for stabbing his ex-girlfriend more than 20 times.
Shelley Malil was in court Thursday in connection to the brutal attack in Vista. Three months ago, a jury convicted him attempted premeditated murder and assault with a deadly weapon. On
Thursday, Judge Harry Elias gave the actor the maximum sentence. When all is said and done, with time already served, plus the additional five years, Malil will be eligible for parole in about nine or 10 years.
The 45-year-old testified at trial that he visited his ex-girlfriend Kendra Beebe at her San Marcos home in August 2008 to apologize for taking personal items from her house. He stabbed her with a kitchen knife after finding her with another man.
Early during Thursday's proceedings, Malil's attorney made a motion for a new trial, claiming the jury disagreed on a specific act of violence. Lawyer's also argued that the removal of a juror was premature and that the verdict was "inconsistent with prosecution's theory."
After the deputy district attorney went over each specific argument, Judge Harry Elias denied the motion, and several people, including the defendant, began delivering statements prior to sentencing.
Malil appeared in court dressed in a dark sports jacket, dress shirt and slacks, and did not appear to be handcuffed. Convicted defendants are often cuffed and wear prison-issued clothing. Malil's lawyer was likely granted a request for a clothing exception due to heavy media interest (there were eight videographers and three photographers in court).
"I am at a loss for words right now," Malil told the court. "I failed miserably, not only as a human being but as a father, son, uncle, brother, friend. What I did to Kendra, I don't have the words to express my remorse."
Beebe, too addressed the court.
"I stand before the defendant alive," Beebe testified. "Despite plunging a knife in me 23 times and trying to kill me, I am alive. Despite the wicked scars he left on my body, I am alive."
Beebe's mother, Laurey Manning, shared her feelings prior to sentencing as well.
"That night the defendant was a monster," Manning stated. "She didn't deserve this, but I am so grateful that I can hug her. I didn't see one ounce of remorse during the trial."
Malil's family also addressed the court, specifically Beebe. "Kendra, I want you to know that we have been praying for you every night since the incident,"said Malil's niece Anjali Varghese.
"I hope one day that you find it in your heart to forgive my uncle for the pain he's caused you,"she said.
Malil's sister told NBCSanDiego that family members were shocked to hear about the stabbing and wanted to contact Beebe.
"We weren't allowed to speak to her before, we wanted to the minute we heard, but we were advised not to by the attorney,"Varghese said.
Varghese said she met with Beebe privately after the sentencing and said it was "very emotional".
"We wish her well and we really hope that she heals and finds some peace in her life,"Varghese said.
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Malil played Haziz, a co-worker of Steve Carell's character in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."
