’40-year Old Virgin’ Actor found guilty, gets 16-years

[HMG Celebrity News] – After just 3½  hours of deliberations a San Diego jury has found ’40-year old Virgin’ actor Shelley Malil guilty of attempted murder for stabbing his girlfriend 20 times ‘by mistake.’ He now faces 16-years to life in a jail cell.

The attack happened at the home of the girlfriend, Kendra Beebe in 2008. Malil arrived at the house and found Beebe on the patio with another man. Using a small knife he had with him Malil then cut and stabbed Beebe across the face, neck and torso.

“I feel a sense of relief, but there is never a win in a situation like this,” 37-year old Beebe told the Huff Post. “I was afraid the jury might believe his theatrics. I’m pleased the justice system did its job.”

Malil — who played Steve Carell’s co-worker ‘Haziz’ in the movie – was found guilty of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, but was acquitted of residential burglary. He now faces 16 years to life in prison, but would have faced 21-years if the burglary charge had been proven.

Defense attorney Matthew Roberts told the jury there was no question Malil went too far, but their evidence showed Beebe as a violent drama queen who manipulated men and loved to make them jealous. The pair had a stormy relationship and the attack was just the latest event.

However, Deputy D.A. Keith Watanabe said Beebe was lucky to be alive and accused Roberts of trying to taint Beebe’s image so the jury would let Malil go free.

“We had an intelligent jury, and they reached the right verdict,” Watanabe told reporters. “He certainly won’t be winning an Oscar for his performance in court.”

Once the verdict was read, Police escorted Malil to the San Diego County jail, where he will remain without bond until his sentencing hearing on November 18.