News Summary
Camden Burton Nicholson is on trial for the brutal murders of his parents and their housekeeper in Newport Beach. The trial will explore Nicholson’s guilt and his mental state during the incident. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment, while a verdict of insanity could lead to his commitment to a mental health facility.
Newport Beach, California – Camden Burton Nicholson, 34, is currently on trial for the brutal stabbing murders of his parents and their housekeeper. The victims are identified as Richard Nicholson, 64, Kim Nicholson, 61, and Maria Morse, 57. Nicholson faces three counts of special circumstances murder, with enhancements for committing multiple murders.
The trial is structured into two distinct phases. The first phase focuses on determining Nicholson’s guilt, while the second will assess if he was legally insane at the time of the murders. If found guilty, Nicholson could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. On the other hand, a verdict of insanity may result in his commitment to a mental health facility instead of prison.
Nicholson has a documented history of mental health issues, which has raised questions regarding his state of mind during the incident. He was reported to be “completely dependent” on his parents for financial support. His mother filed a missing person report for him on December 15, 2018, after he received an ultimatum to seek treatment for his mental health and addiction problems, indicating long-standing issues that predated the murders.
On February 11, 2019, Richard Nicholson was captured on security footage arriving home at 12:45 p.m. Shortly afterward, Camden Nicholson attacked his father in the garage, stabbing him multiple times and subsequently hiding Richard’s body in a small bathroom in an attempt to contain the blood. About ten minutes later, Kim Nicholson returned home and was also attacked; she suffered strikes from a metal statue and numerous stab wounds. The crime scene was exceptionally bloody, with evidence suggesting a struggle, including Kim’s hair found at the location. Reportedly, Nicholson tried to absorb the blood with a bag of flour.
The following day, Maria Morse arrived to work at around 7:45 a.m., where she too fell victim to Nicholson’s violent actions, being stabbed and having her throat cut. After committing the murders, Nicholson was seen using his parents’ vehicle to go on shopping sprees, notably purchasing $300 worth of marijuana.
On February 13, 2019, Nicholson sought medical attention at a Kaiser Permanente facility in Irvine, where he called 911 to report the killings, initially claiming self-defense against his parents.
Nicholson’s mental health challenges reportedly began in 2012 during a church mission in Florida, which resulted in an early return home and the initiation of a medication regimen. More hospitalizations followed while he was studying at the University of Utah, indicated by a notable episode in September 2012. After moving to Colorado in 2017, he ceased taking his anti-psychotic medication, believing he was recovering due to hormone therapy.
In September 2018, Nicholson experienced alarming symptoms including visions and auditory hallucinations, fueling paranoia towards his landlord, which led to another hospitalization. Following an unsettling period during which he went missing, bizarre text messages were exchanged with his family, prompting them to halt his financial support.
Prior to the homicides, Nicholson was treated at various emergency rooms for “pseudo seizures” which stemmed from his crippling anxiety. He was admitted to Hoag Hospital for seizures on December 28, 2018, and refused visitation from his family, accusing them of being insane. Just days later, he left the hospital before receiving a conclusive diagnosis, leading to another mental health hold.
Nicholson was formally diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder on February 11, 2019, but he demanded to be released against medical advice. Evidence presented in court included a tape of Nicholson making erratic statements at the Kaiser facility, highlighting his unstable mental condition. Lead detective Sgt. Jason Prince recognized that mental health issues were pivotal during the initial investigation; however, he noted that mental health professionals were not interviewed in the context of the case. The defense attorney, Richard Cheung, argued that law enforcement neglected to adequately consider Nicholson’s mental health, suggesting that the investigation was biased toward pursuing the most serious charges against him.
As the trial unfolds, the focus remains on Nicholson’s mental health history and whether it played a crucial role in the events leading to the violent deaths of his family members and the housekeeper.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times – Details of Triple Homicide
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Los Angeles Times – Trial Starts for Man Accused of Killing Parents
- Google Search: Mental Health Issues
- Los Angeles Times – Updates on Newport Beach Triple Homicide Trial
- Google Scholar: Schizoaffective Disorder
- Los Angeles Times – Camden Burton Nicholson Trial Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Illness
- Los Angeles Times – Testimony in Newport Beach Triple Homicide Case
- Google News: Newport Beach Homicide
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
