Charles Loo charged with son's murder By MATT KAPKO Half Moon Bay Review September 29, 2004 Charles Loo, the 50-year-old father suspected of stabbing his son to death before attempting to take his own life Sept. 18 at Montara State Beach, could be facing capital punishment if he is convicted of the charges filed against him. Loo appeared Sept. 21 in San Mateo County Superior Court for arraignment. At that appearance his court-appointed defense attorney asked for a continuation to allow Loo time to hire a private attorney. He is scheduled to appear in court again at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 to present his legal counsel and enter a plea. He is being held without bail at the San Mateo County jail. Loo has been formally charged with three offenses, including first-degree murder and lying in wait. Prosecutors believe Loo planned to kill his 17-year-old son, Ben-son Loo, and waited for the chance to do so. If a jury can be convinced that was the case, Loo could face the death penalty. Sheriff's deputies found Loo shortly after 7:30 a.m. in a wooded area on the beach Sept. 18. The body of his lifeless son was found nearby, law enforcement officials say. Prior to being booked in San Mateo County jail, Loo was treated for what authorities believe to be self-inflicted knife wounds. According to reports, Loo has a poor command of English and, as a result, had difficulty understanding some of what was said during his brief court appearance. A Mandarin interpreter will be on hand for his next court appearance. Home