Simi Valley, CA – A Simi Valley man, Euren Balbuena, has been convicted of the brutal stabbing death of his girlfriend, Zaira Patino-Trejo, and sentenced to 33 years to life in prison. The judge added another 7 years for the knife attack on Patino-Trejo’s mother, resulting in a combined sentence of 33 years to life in prison.
The sentencing hearing included emotional statements from the victim’s family. The crimes occurred on February 27, 2020, when Patino-Trejo’s mother went to the couple’s apartment in Simi Valley after becoming concerned that she had not been able to reach her daughter, who had been a victim of domestic violence in the past. Upon arrival, she saw evidence of domestic abuse and tried to rescue her daughter but was prevented by Balbuena, who then attacked her with a knife.
Balbuena fatally stabbed Patino-Trejo more than 30 times and her seriously injured mother fled the apartment to get help. When first responders arrived, they found the mother wounded outside of the apartment and Patino-Trejo dead inside.
During the trial, Balbuena testified in his own defense. He had been charged with attempted murder in the attack on Patino-Trejo’s mother, but the jury instead convicted him of assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor battery.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. The sentencing of Balbuena brings some degree of closure to the family, but the pain of their loss will continue for years to come.
This case also highlights the importance of intervention and support for victims of domestic violence, as well as the need for accountability and consequences for perpetrators of such crimes. It is a sobering example of the widespread issue of domestic violence in our society, and a call to action for communities to address and prevent such tragedies in the future.