Man Arraigned in San Diego in Connection with Cruise Ship Homicide Investigation

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Robert McGill was arraigned today in federal court in San Diego by United States Magistrate Judge William McCurine, Jr. on a criminal complaint charging him with murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(b) and 7.

The complaint alleges that on July 14, 2009, at approximately 8:20 p.m. PST, personnel aboard the Carnival Cruise Lines Elation cruise ship responded to a report of a possible homicide in a cabin registered to Robert McGill and his wife, Shirley McGill. Upon entry, Shirley McGill was found dead in the bathroom. Carnival Cruise Elation personnel subsequently detained McGill without incident. As alleged in the complaint, McGill’s hands and knuckles appeared as if he had been in a fight. McGill was arrested by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on July 16, 2009.

During today’s hearing, the government moved to detain McGill as a risk of flight and a danger to the community. A detention hearing will be held on July 23, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., before United States Magistrate Judge William McCurine, Jr.

Case Number: 09MJ2174

DEFENDANT
Robert McGill
Age: 55
Winnetka, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(b) and 7

INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation

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