Crime & Safety

Damon Nicholson Murder Trial Start Moved to May

Anthony Quintanilla and Matthew Thomas Dragna are both accused in the 2009 bludgeoning death of Nicholson, who worked at the Hotel Laguna.

The jury trial of two men charged in the 2009 murder of Damon Nicholson has been moved to May 17.

The trial had been scheduled to begin today, Friday, Jan. 11, but according to Orange County District Attorney spokesperson Farrah Emami, the defense requested a continuance, which was granted.

Anthony Quintanilla and Matthew Thomas Dragna are both accused in the October 23, 2009 bludgeoning death of Nicholson in his Dolphin Way apartment in Laguna Beach.

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Nicholson was employed as a catering manager by the Hotel Laguna when Quintanilla and Dragna allegedly entered Nicholson's apartment through an unlocked sliding glass door in a supposed search for marijuana. After reportedly killing Nicholson with a metal baseball bat, the pair allegedly stole a computer, cellphone, and other items from the apartment.

After an investigation, the pair were arrested several weeks later in Lake Forest.

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Both Quintanilla and Dragna have been charged with murder and murder with a special circumstance (robbery). They have both entered not guilty pleas. If they are convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.


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