A 54-year-old man was charged Wednesday with the killing of another man in Westminster.
James Michael Metcalf of Westminster was charged with murder and vandalism, both felonies, with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon.
The victim’s name has not yet been released as authorities work to notify his family.
Police were called to the 8200 block of 13th Street at about 6:15 p.m. Monday where the body was found, according to Cmdr. Andy Stowers of the Westminster Police Department. The victim had wounds to his face and head, Stowers said.
Investigators suspect the victim died several hours earlier, he added.
Metcalf was picked up before the body was found on suspicion of vandalism. Investigators later linked Metcalf to the suspected murder, Stowers said.
According to the criminal complaint, Metcalf is accused of attacking the victim with a yellow crowbar.
Metcalf is accused of vandalizing a Jaguar car belonging to another victim, according to the complaint.
Metcalf’s arraignment Wednesday in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana was rescheduled for June 25 in the West Justice Center in Westminster.