On July 20, 2023, after an exhaustive investigation and two lengthy trials (the first one ending in a mistrial), Michael Varela, a 36-year-old resident of Garden Grove, was finally convicted of the brutal attack, attempted rape and murder of 68-year-old Dzung Nguyen.

On September 10, 2017, at 5:00 AM, Garden Grove police officers responded to 13432 Balos Dr. in reference to a female down.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim, on the front lawn of the residence, partially naked, with blunt force trauma to her face. Next to her, Varela was found shirtless, covered in blood, with his pants fly unbuttoned and multiple injuries that appeared to be defense wounds on his body.

The initial investigation found Varela’s statements inconsistent with evidence at the scene and he was placed under arrest. Mrs. Nguyen was transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to her injuries ten days later.

Dzung Nguyen was known in the neighborhood and described as a quiet, unassuming woman who gathered recycling items. Her life was unjustly cut short, in the most horrific of ways. The Garden Grove Police Department hope this conviction brings closure and a small measure of peace to her loved ones.