San Diego, California – San Diego police have arrested a young couple in connection with a deadly double shooting in the Grant Hill neighborhood that left two adults dead and three young children found nearby. Investigators say the killings were the result of an ongoing personal dispute tied to a custody conflict.
Incident Overview
The victims were identified as Ruben Chavez, 31, and Evelyn Virgen, 28, both residents of San Diego. Police confirmed that the two were found shot to death early Monday morning in the Grant Hill area, with three children under the age of 2 discovered unharmed in a van close to the scene.
Authorities allege the suspects are Princess Perez, 25, Chavez’s former girlfriend, and her current boyfriend, Ramses “Rex” Morales, 21.
Timeline of Events
According to the San Diego Police Department, officers were dispatched around 12:30 a.m. Monday after receiving an anonymous call reporting that two people were lying in the street near 27th Street and Imperial Avenue.
The caller told police that at least one person appeared to be bleeding heavily. When officers arrived, Chavez and Virgen were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that Perez and Morales were in the area at the time of the shooting but fled before police arrived.
Details From Police and Officials
Police said detectives found shell casings at the scene, indicating a shooting, though the exact number of shots fired has not been publicly confirmed.
After the killings, Perez and Morales allegedly traveled to Mexico. Authorities say the pair were detained by Border Patrol agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry when they attempted to reenter the United States.
While being processed at the border, the suspects were interviewed by homicide detectives and subsequently charged with two counts of murder each, according to SDPD officials.
They are scheduled to make their first court appearance on Thursday.
Key Facts in the Case
- Victims: Ruben Chavez (31) and Evelyn Virgen (28)
- Suspects: Princess Perez (25) and Ramses “Rex” Morales (21)
- Location: Grant Hill, near 27th Street and Imperial Avenue
- Date of incident: Early Monday morning
- Children involved: Three, all under age 2, found unharmed
- Charges: Two counts of murder per suspect
Custody Dispute and Background
Family and court records indicate the violence may have stemmed from an ongoing custody dispute between Chavez and Perez. The former couple reportedly shared multiple children together.
Police confirmed that Virgen was the mother of the three children found in the nearby van. Those children were taken into protective custody following the discovery.
Friends of the families say the total number of children affected by the tragedy across both households is nine.
Witness Accounts From the Neighborhood
Several neighbors told that they heard gunfire early Monday morning.
“Two gunshots,” one neighbor said. “I was just in my room, and I didn’t think anything of it until I saw a bunch of cops outside. It was crazy.”
Another longtime resident described the shock felt in the community.
“Been here for 16 years and nothing but good stuff,” the neighbor said. “Tragic stuff happened.”
Children and Family Concerns
A family friend speaking on behalf of Chavez’s relatives expressed deep concern for the children impacted by the incident.
“Not only did they ruin their life, they are going to be there for a long time,” the friend said. “They ruined other families — not one family, but two families — including those children.”
Friends also confirmed that Virgen’s family is actively working to have her children released from protective custody and placed with relatives.
Additional Context: Domestic Disputes and Violence
Police officials note that domestic and custody-related disputes can escalate quickly and often have devastating consequences, particularly when children are involved. Authorities encourage anyone experiencing escalating conflicts or threats to seek legal intervention or protective services before situations turn violent.
Conclusion
The Grant Hill shooting has left two families grieving and multiple children displaced, highlighting the far-reaching impact of domestic conflict that turns deadly. As the case moves through the court system, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
If you live in the area or have been affected by similar situations, staying aware and reporting concerns early can help prevent further tragedies. Share your experiences in the comments below.
