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California mother’s headless body found after neighbors spotted her pet dog soaked in blood, police charge son with murder

The police have confirmed that Megan Estes Hampton, 61, was the only person in the house when she was found by her neighbors
PUBLISHED AUG 20, 2019

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA: A mother from Laguna Beach was found dead in her mobile home at Laguna Terrace Park on Sunday, August 18, after concerned neighbors saw the woman's pet dog soaked in her blood and called authorities for help.

The woman was identified on Monday by the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) as 61-year-old Megan Estes Hampton.

The incident came to light after Hampton's friends rushed into her house as they saw her pet Mastiff soaked in blood only to find her headless corpse.

Meanwhile, the woman's son, Matthew Bryson McDonald, 34, was arrested and taken into custody on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, the police confirmed that McDonald is the prime suspect in the death of his mother.

He is now being charged with murder. 

According to the police chief, Laura Farinella, officers reached the crime spot after getting a call at around 10.45 am on Sunday.

As reported by Laguna Beach Independent, Laura Farinella shared, "Upon arrival, (officers) were met by neighbors who said that they had heard some argument and screaming coming from one of the residences."

Farinella added that when they went to check on Hampton, they found her dead and decapitated.

Farinella also shared that the neighbors helped authorities as they were able to provide a description of McDonald whom they believed was the possible suspect. 

The LBPD also shared information and description of Hampton's car, which McDonald was driving, with the Orange County law enforcement agencies.

It was around afternoon when the Orange County Sheriff’s deputies took McDonald into custody after they pulled over a vehicle in San Clemente which matched the description of the car. 

On Sunday, Farinella confirmed that Hampton was the only person in the house when she was found by neighbors.

“As this investigation continues, more information related to this tragic incident will be released,” Farinella said in a statement.

Sgt. Jim Cota revealed that there was a "history" between Hampton and her son McDonald and that neighbors were aware that McDonald had some "mental challenges". 

McDonald, who has been charged with murder, has his bail set at $1million.

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