SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, January 4, 19 year-old David Morales was charged with the murder of two people and seriously injuring another person in a high-speed police chase that occurred on New Year Day 2013.
“We are prosecuting this case to the fullest extent because I have no tolerance for violence. Innocent bystanders were killed because of the reckless actions of a young man who is a known gang member,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “We are losing too many people in our city because of gang violence. I’d like to implore upon parents to take a more active role with your children to ensure they are on a successful path to life.”
A press release from the district attorney’s office website indicates that court documents indicate the defendant drove intoValenciaGardensin the Mission District on January 1, 2013 where he spotted three young men. The young men informed Morales they were fromValenciaGardenswhen he asked. Upon hearing that, Morales pulled out a gun and fired a shot. A few moments later, San Francisco Police stopped the defendant in the Mission District after receiving the description of the vehicle involved in the shooting. The suspect sped away in his vehicle running a red light at 21st and South Van Ness traveling eastbound where he struck another car. A woman inside that vehicle was killed and the driver was seriously injured.
The impact of the crash was so severe it pushed the victim’s vehicle onto the sidewalk where it struck and killed a pedestrian. Morales has been charged with 2 counts of murder, 3 counts of attempted murder, 1 count of evading an officer with willful disregard, 1 count of evading an officer while causing serious bodily injury, 1 count of participation in a criminal street gang, and 1 count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The suspect is also charged with firearm and gang allegations.
Morales could face multiple life terms and is facing over 200 years to life in prison. He is currently on felony probation for participation in a criminal street gang for a conviction from April 13, 2012. David Morales will be formerly arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 8 inDept.11at 9 a.m. The defendant’s bail has been set at $10 million. Assistant District Attorney John Ullom is prosecuting the case.
By LaDale Anderson
