Husband faces trial for 1994 poisoning of his wife, for the insurance money

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2014

Case# 10CF3053

HUSBAND FACES TRIAL FOR 1994 POISONING-MURDER OF WIFE FOR FINANCIAL GAIN

SANTA ANA – A man faces trial today for the special circumstances poisoning-murder of his wife for financial gain in 1994. Paul Marshal Curry, 57, Salina, KS, is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder for financial gain with a sentencing enhancement for murder by poisoning. If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are expected to begin today, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Late on the night of June 9, 1994, Paul Curry is accused of poisoning his wife of two years, Linda Curry. Paul Curry is accused of calling 911 and telling emergency personnel that the victim was in bed and not breathing. Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputies responded to the scene.

Paul Curry is accused of collecting $400,000 from his wife’s life insurance policies. At the time of the crime, Paul Curry was a suspect but the case went cold.

In 2007, OCSD and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office began reinvestigating the case. As a result of further investigation, Paul Curry was arrested in Kansas in 2010 by OCSD deputies. He was subsequently extradited from Kansas to face the charges in Orange County.

Assistant District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh, formerly of the Homicide Unit and now head of the Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Director of Public Affairs
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486