David Morales, 33 of Fillmore, was sentenced this week to 25 years to life after being convicted of first-degree murder in an attack on his sister in 2010. He was convicted on March 12, 2013.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Morales on September 15, 2010 at his family’s apartment complex in the 200 block of Sespe Avenue, Fillmore. Deputies arrived at 6:01 p.m. and subdued Morales after a brief struggle as he attempted to flee the area. The victim, Maricruz Morales, 20, was immediately treated at the scene by Fillmore City Fire and taken to Ventura County Medical Center via American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance where she was pronounced deceased. The assault took place inside a residence after a family dispute. Morales was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on murder charges.

He used a variety of objects in the attack, including a curtain rod and a hammer to crush her skull. The jury also convicted Morales of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury on a second victim, his mother Roselia Morales. Morales attempted to choke her, then grabbed her hair, punched her in the head and threw her against a wall. He was sentenced to an additional four years to be served consecutively. The crimes were witnessed by neighbors who confronted Morales and attempted to help the victims during the assault.

Morales’ lawyer Claudia Bautista told the jury that he acted in the heat of passion after he was cursed at and hit with a broom and candle holder. Prosecutor Rebecca Day said there was no evidence that he was provoked.

Testimony at David Morales’ hearing showed that he became enraged when he learned that his mother and sister had packed all the family’s belongings for the move to a new apartment and he was told he could not move with them.
In 2006, he ate his mother’s parrot, according to court records. He was convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty.