SANTA ANA, Calif. – A Laguna Niguel man is scheduled to be arraigned today for the stabbing-murder of his acquaintance after they argued in the victim's home. Steve Richard Gilbert, 59, Laguna Niguel, is charged with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a knife. If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. He is scheduled to be arraigned today, Nov. 29, 2016, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

Before 9:50 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2016, Gilbert is accused of getting into an argument with 53-year-old Thomas Marston at the victim's home in Laguna Niguel. The defendant is accused of stabbing Marston in the chest with a knife and fleeing the scene. A witness called 911 about an unconscious man in the residence.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) and emergency medical personnel responded to the home and located Marston on the floor inside. The victim was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead as the result of a fatal stab wound.

Later that night, OCSD, who investigated this case, identified Gilbert as a suspect. Deputies located Gilbert at a gas station in Mission Viejo shortly after 10:00 p.m. and later arrested him.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Keith Burke of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 16HF1675 / November 29, 2016