SAN DIEGO, CA – A sudden burst of violence shattered the stillness of a San Diego neighborhood early Monday, leaving two people dead and three young children surrounded by chaos just feet away.
Ruben Chavez, 31, and Evelyn Virgen, 28, were found lifeless in the middle of 27th Street in the Grant Hill neighborhood, according to police. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, their deaths ruled homicides at the scene.
The alleged gunman, Ramses Moreno Morales, 21, stands accused of opening fire on the couple in cold blood. Princess Perez, 25, Chavez’s ex-girlfriend and mother to two of his children, is believed by authorities to have aided Morales in the deadly attack. Investigators say Perez and Chavez were embroiled in a bitter custody dispute leading up to the shooting.
First responders arriving around 12:30 a.m. found Chavez and Virgen motionless on the street. Just steps away, officers discovered three small children confined to a minivan, all under the age of two. Despite their proximity to the violence, the children appeared unharmed. Officers quickly took them into protective custody, mindful that they were witnesses to a traumatic ordeal.
Investigators allege that Perez actively participated in the scheme, driving Morales to the site of the slayings and later helping him flee south across the border into Mexico. The pair were apprehended while attempting to re-enter the United States at the San Ysidro border crossing, officials said.
In a Thursday court appearance, Morales pleaded not guilty to murder charges, including enhancements for multiple victims and three counts of child endangerment. Authorities believe he used a shotgun in the attack. If convicted on the special circumstances charges, Morales could possibly face capital punishment.
Meanwhile, Perez faces charges as an accessory to murder, with prosecutors indicating the possibility of additional charges as the investigation unfolds. Authorities continue to gather evidence, piecing together the exact events and motivations behind the violence.
Court documents reveal a complex and tense family history. Chavez was seeking expanded custody rights for his children, although court orders at the time limited him to supervised visits. The custody battle between Chavez and Perez had become increasingly contentious in the months before the shootings.
Officials who spoke on the case emphasized the tragedy’s impact on the children, describing it as an unimaginably “terrible situation.” Prosecutors expressed determination to see justice done for all the victims, noting the lasting trauma the young witnesses are likely to endure.
Family members have described the loss as catastrophic, explaining that Chavez and Virgen leave behind nine children, among them. A crowdfunding campaign has been established to provide care for the youngest children—three of whom were present during the deadly attack—who will require long-term support as they recover from the trauma of that night.
The investigation remains active, with detectives reviewing evidence and continuing to interview those connected to the case. Both suspects are being held as legal proceedings continue.