Trial Set for Man Accused in Rape of Murrieta Woman

More than two years after a convicted sex offender had his tongue bitten off during the alleged rape a Murrieta woman, his trial will begin.

A jury is being assembled this week for the trial of Ronald Douglas McGowan, 34. It is set to begin Monday at , according to court records.

McGowan was denied bail and has remained jailed since his June 5, 2009, arrest. He was taken into custody by Murrieta police as he was seeking medical treatment at for his tongue.

The female victim in the alleged rape bit his tongue off to defend herself, according to arrest records. The detached tongue was found at the scene by officers.

The alleged rape took place at Waterstone Apartments in Murrieta, after which the victim called police. Officers believed it was a planned attack. McGowan is a convicted sex offender registered in the City of West Covina, arrest records stated.

Doctors were unable to reattach his tongue at the time of his arrest, police said. It is not known whether he has received medical treatment while incarcerated.

McGowan faces charges of rape by force, robbery and kidnap with intent to rape, along with several sentence-enhancing prior convictions, including rape of a spouse and sodomy of a minor under 14.

He could face 56 years to life in prison if convicted of seven counts of forcible rape and other felonies.