Trial begins against registered sex offender for rape and attempted murder of Orange County woman

The trial of a man accused of raping and attempting to kill an Orange County woman begins Monday.

Orange County officials arrested 54-year-old Bruce Whitehead in December 2022.

According to authorities, Whitehead offered a woman a ride, then drove her to a remote area and attacked her.

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“Personally, I would call him a monster. That’s my personal opinion. We at the sheriff’s office believe he is a danger to the community,” said Cor. Evan Avila of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators believe the attack was particularly brutal. The victim said she was afraid for her life.

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Whitehead faces charges including sexual abuse, attempted premeditated murder and kidnapping with intent to cause harm.

This is not Whitehead’s first run-in with the law. According to court records, he is a registered sex offender who was convicted of a similar crime in the 1980s.

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Channel 9 will have a team in the courtroom and will report on breaking eyewitness news.

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