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PermalinkTuesday, October 26, 2010
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Case of Murdered College Student Never Sent To City Attorney
Aired 10/27/10
The case of Diana Gonzalez, the San Diego City College student found murdered on campus, was not sent to the city attorney for prosecution. But such domestic violence cases can be referred to the city attorney for misdemeanor prosecution.
The case of Diana Gonzalez, the San Diego City College student found murdered on campus, was not sent to the city attorney for prosecution. But such domestic violence cases can be referred to the city attorney for misdemeanor prosecution.
Gonzalez was found murdered in a San Diego City College bathroom two weeks ago. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis's office said because the Gonzalez case didn't meet the burden of proof for a felony prosecution, it didn't refer the case to the city attorney's office.
A misdemeanor prosecution also requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But Chris Morris, who used to prosecute domestic violence cases for the city attorney's office, said misdemeanor battery cases are easier to prove.
"If you can't prove the felony, you still may be able to prove the misdemeanor," Morris said.
And misdemeanor batter, Morris said, requires abusive spouses to enroll in a domestic violence rehabilitation program.
"It really teaches them anger management and coping skills that become the key," Morris said. "That's what all the studies have shown and getting them into this year-long program is the real key to keeping them from re-offending."
Gonzalez's husband Armando Gabriel Perez has been charged with her murder. He remains a fugitive.
Comments
Missionaccomplished | October 27, 2010 at 7:48 a.m. ― 2 years, 6 months ago
Either way, Ms "Lock 'em up and throw away the key" Bonnie D, dropped the ball.
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laplayaheritage | October 27, 2010 at 11:13 a.m. ― 2 years, 6 months ago
http://media.www.sdcitytimes.com/media/storage/paper1083/news/2010/10/26/News/Diana.Gonzalez.Is.Laid.To.Rest-3950090.shtml
Monday's Funeral.
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RockOn | October 28, 2010 at 10:57 a.m. ― 2 years, 6 months ago
The quote in the audio from Chris Morris doesn't match the idea that "misdemeanor battery cases are easier to prove (than felonies)" attributed to him. Morris is an experienced enough attorney and former prosecuter to know how utterly untrue this statement is, so it's very difficult to believe he said anything remotely like this.
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