California Woman Accused of Using New Boyfriend to Kill Ex and His Girlfriend During Custody Dispute, Police Say
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — A California woman and her new boyfriend are facing murder charges after police say they gunned down her ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend in the street while three toddlers sat just feet away inside a minivan, all amid a bitter custody dispute.
Authorities announced that Princess Perez, 25, and her boyfriend Ramses Morales, 21, were arrested this week in connection with the killings of Ruben Chavez, 31, and Evelyn Virgen, 28.
Bodies Found in Street With Children Nearby
According to a news release from the San Diego Police Department, officers responded at approximately 12:26 a.m. Monday to an anonymous call reporting two people lying motionless in the 100 block of 27th Street in the Grant Hill neighborhood.
The caller told dispatchers that at least one of the victims appeared to be covered in blood. When officers arrived, they found Chavez and Virgen suffering from fatal injuries and pronounced both dead at the scene due to homicidal violence.
While securing the area, officers looked inside a nearby minivan and made a disturbing discovery.
Three Children Under Age 2 Found in Minivan
Police said three young children, all under the age of 2, were inside the parked minivan near the victims. Authorities noted that the children appeared physically unharmed, despite being only feet away from the shooting.
Officers immediately placed the children into protective custody, citing the severity of the crime scene and concerns for their safety.
Investigators later confirmed that the children were connected to the victims.
Prosecutors Say New Boyfriend Pulled the Trigger
Court records show Morales appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with special circumstances, including multiple murders, as well as three counts of child endangerment, according to local reporting.
Prosecutors alleged Morales used a shotgun to kill both Chavez and Virgen. If convicted under California’s special-circumstances murder statute, Morales could face the death penalty.
Woman Accused of Orchestrating Killings
Perez is charged as an accessory to both murders, prosecutors said. Authorities allege she drove Morales to the scene of the killings and later helped transport him across the U.S.–Mexico border to evade arrest.
The pair were eventually apprehended while attempting to return to the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, police confirmed.
According to investigators, the case against Perez remains active, and additional charges may still be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Custody Battle Central to Investigation
Court documents indicate Perez and Chavez were engaged in a custody dispute over their young son at the time of the killings. Chavez reportedly had only supervised visitation and was actively seeking joint custody.
An assistant district attorney acknowledged the complexity of the case during court proceedings.
“It’s a complicated family situation,” the prosecutor said. “The investigation’s ongoing as to everybody’s respective relationships.”
The prosecutor added that the presence of multiple children made the case particularly devastating.
“They’ve been affected by horrible street violence,” he said. “Our heart goes out to them and their families.”
Family Says Nine Children Left Behind
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Chavez’s cousin states that the couple left behind nine children in total, including the three toddlers who were present during the shooting.
The fundraising page noted that the youngest child, a 3-month-old boy, was inside the minivan at the time of the killings.
“They were present at the time of the tragedy and will carry the trauma of that day for the rest of their lives,” the page stated.
The fundraiser aims to cover funeral costs and provide long-term support for the children.
Case Continues Through Courts
Both defendants remain in custody as the investigation moves forward. Prosecutors said they will continue reviewing digital evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings as they prepare for upcoming court hearings.
As San Diego authorities continue to pursue justice in this case, the killings have renewed focus on domestic disputes, child safety, and the far-reaching consequences of violent retaliation. For ongoing updates on major criminal cases and public safety developments from California and beyond, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.