David Morales Sentenced to 37 Years, 4 Months for Voluntary Manslaughter and Attempted Murder

Just after midnight on March 25, 2023, defendant David Morales fired 10 bullets at a group of young men at a large party hosted off Hall Road in Santa Rosa, killing 20-year-old Raul Ramirez-Reyes and seriously wounding 20-year-old Brian Garcia. Morales was arrested later that same day and charged with murder and attempted murder, as well as firearm enhancements. On July 22, 2024, Morales pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter with a firearm enhancement for the killing of Raul Ramirez-Reyes, and attempted murder with firearm and great bodily injury enhancements for Brian Garcia. On September 3, 2024, the Honorable Judge Robert LaForge sentenced Morales to a term of 37 years and 4 months in state prison.   

District Attorney Rodriguez stated, “The loss of life and violence in this case were utterly senseless and tragic. We believe the sentence today holds Mr. Morales accountable for his actions and is in the interest of justice. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as they continue their healing process.”

On the night of the incident, both the victims’ and the defendant’s groups of friends traveled from Marin County to join more than 100 other partygoers in a rural warehouse structure in Santa Rosa. When the two groups encountered one another, a brief fist fight broke out, most likely based on prior animus between them. Within several minutes after the fight ended, Morales returned to the warehouse, pulled out the gun he was carrying, and emptied his 10-round magazine at the victims’ group. Raul Ramirez-Reyes was shot in the head, chest, and back, and was declared deceased on scene. Brian Garcia received several gunshot wounds, was rushed to the hospital, and fortunately survived. Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies investigated the case and were able to identify Morales based on eyewitness statements. 

The sentencing hearing was attended by dozens of the victim’s family members and friends, who witnessed Judge LaForge order Morales to serve 37 years 4 months in the state prison. Deputy District Attorney Christina Stevens handled the prosecution for the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.

Contact Information