Catherine Becker
Catherine Kieu Becker, seen in a police mugshot taken July 11, 2011, has been arrested after police responded to a home in Garden Grove, California and found her husband castrated in his bed. Reuters

Must Read Bizarre and Brutal Spouse Attacks in America that Made Headlines Husband Bites and Swallows Ex's Finger

A motive in the infamous penis-severing case may have been over an inappropriate relationship, according to a law enforcement source who asked for anonymity.

The Garden Grove couple, who are going through a divorce, were involved in a dispute earlier in the day over a relationship.

In the evening, Catherine Kieu Becker drugged her husband, tied him up with nylon ropes when he fell asleep, and severed his penis with a 10-inch knife while he was waking up. She then tossed the body part into a garbage disposal and turned it on before calling 911. Becker told police he deserved it.

The 51-year-old victim, who underwent emergency surgery in UCI Medical Center, is expected to survive, although the mutilated organ could not be reattached. Officials are referring to him as John Doe, and he does not want to be identified or talk about what happened.

The 48-year-old wife faces one felony count of torture and one count of aggravated mayhem. Becker also faces sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury and personal use of a knife, and could face a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted on all counts.

MUST READ Tea and Coffee May Help Ward Off Superbug MRSA