On January 19, 2026, at around 12:26 a.m., San Diego Police responded to an anonymous tip about two bloodied bodies on the 100 block of 27th Street. They found Ruben Chavez (31) and Evelyn Virgen (28), who had been shot and could not be revived despite CPR attempts. Chavez and Virgen were in a relationship. Nearby, in a vehicle registered to Virgen, police discovered three children under age two—later confirmed as hers—who appeared unharmed.
Suspects and Arrests
Investigators linked the killings to an ongoing dispute between Chavez/Virgen and Chavez’s ex-girlfriend, Princess Perez (25), and her boyfriend, Ramses “Rex” Morales (21). Perez and Morales were in the area during the shooting but fled before police arrived. Border Patrol detained them at the San Ysidro Port of Entry around 10 a.m. that day as they tried re-entering the U.S. from Mexico.
Court Proceedings
- Morales: Appeared in court on January 22, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder. Faces three child endangerment charges for the children in the vehicle. Prosecutors allege special circumstances (multiple murders and killing a witness—Virgen), potentially making him death penalty-eligible if convicted.
- Perez: Charged as an accessory for allegedly driving Morales to Mexico post-shooting; pleaded not guilty.
- Both held without bail. Deputy DA Martin Doyle noted a “complicated family situation” and ongoing probe into relationships.
Chavez was in a custody battle with Perez over their two children, holding only supervised visitation rights.
Broader Context
The couple leaves behind nine surviving children, including the three at the scene, who witnessed the trauma. A GoFundMe by Chavez’s cousin supports the families. Investigation continues; San Diego PD has not responded to recent inquiries.
This case highlights tensions in custody disputes escalating to violence, common in family law cases across states like California. For updates, check official sources like San Diego PD or court records.
