Intro
On January 19, 2024, police in San Diego discovered two bodies on the 100 block of 27th Street. The victims, Ruben Chavez and Evelyn Virgen, were shot and later identified by authorities. The investigation quickly turned to Ramses “Rex” Morales and his girlfriend Princess Perez, who fled the scene and were apprehended at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
At a Glance
- Two couples involved in a fatal shooting.
- Morales and Perez fled, later detained by Border Patrol.
- Morales faces murder, child-endangerment, and potential capital-punishment charges.
- Why it matters: The case leaves nine children in the community with lasting trauma and raises questions about domestic-violence law enforcement.
Background
Ruben Chavez, 31, and Evelyn Virgen, 28, were found shot and dead in a parked vehicle registered to Virgen. Police noted three young children, all under two, inside the car, seemingly unharmed. NBC San Diego reported that the minors were Virgen’s children. The couple had been in a relationship, and their deaths sparked a rapid police response.
Investigators linked the couple to an ongoing dispute involving Chavez’s ex-girlfriend, 25-year-old Princess Perez, and her current boyfriend, Ramses “Rex” Morales. Both Perez and Morales were present in the area when the shooting occurred but fled before police arrival.
Investigation
- January 19, 2024 – Officers responded to an anonymous tip at approximately 12:26 a.m.
- January 20, 2024 – Police released a statement: “Both Perez and Morales had been in the area when the shooting occurred, but fled prior to police arrival,” and that they were later detained by Border Patrol.
- Morales is charged with murder and three counts of child endangerment related to Virgen’s children.
- Perez faces an accessory charge for allegedly driving Morales to Mexico after the deaths.
Deputy district attorney Martin Doyle said: “We have alleged in the complaint two special circumstances, one of which is multiple murders,” and added, “The other is killing of the witness, at least in respect to the killing of the female victim.” Doyle also noted the case’s complexity, saying, “It’s a complicated family situation. The investigation’s ongoing as to everybody’s respective relationships.”
Legal Proceedings
On January 22, 2024, Morales appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Perez also pleaded not guilty on the accessory charge. Both defendants were held without bail following the arraignment.
Prosecutors warned that if capital punishment were pursued, special-circumstance allegations could make Morales eligible for the death penalty upon conviction.
Impact on the Community
Chavez was involved in a custody battle over his two children with Perez, who had only supervised visitation rights. The tragedy left nine children in the community, prompting a GoFundMe campaign launched by Chavez’s cousin to support the survivors.
The fundraiser’s message reads: “They leave behind nine children whose lives have been forever changed. Three of the youngest children were present at the time of the tragedy and will carry the trauma of that day for the rest of their lives.”
The case has drawn attention to domestic-violence dynamics in San Diego and highlighted gaps in protective measures for families at risk.
Key Takeaways
- The shooting on January 19, 2024 involved two victims and three young children.
- Morales and Perez fled but were detained at the border; both face serious charges.
- The legal process is ongoing, with potential capital-punishment implications.
- The community mourns the loss of nine children and seeks justice and protection.
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Categories: Breaking News, World News, Political News
