California Mother Appeals for Change after Son’s Tragic Death

Angie Morfin, a mother and grandmother from California, has a heartfelt message for the future Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin: “Please stop other mothers from calling my phone.” This comes after her 13-year-old son, Reuben, was killed by members of an illegal immigrant gang.

Morfin expressed her sorrow, saying, “Ruben was just a little boy with dreams of growing up, getting married, and having a family.” For over three decades, she has worked to keep Reuben’s memory alive, ensuring that his death was not forgotten.

As Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, prepares to take on his new role later this month, Morfin hopes he will support families like hers and fight to prevent similar tragedies.

During a recent interview, Morfin opened up about the lasting pain of losing Reuben. “I’m crying for him today like it was yesterday,” she shared, highlighting the ongoing grief her family experiences.

Back in 1994, Ruben was shot in the back of the head near Orange County, California, while walking to a party with friends. At the time, Morfin was concerned about gang violence in their area, prompting her to let Reuben stay with his grandparents during the holidays.

Morfin recalls the devastating moment she received the call about her son. “When I picked up the phone, I heard my mom screaming, ‘They shot Nino.'” It was painful; she instantly recognized the name they called him, signifying how deeply connected they were.

She and her husband quickly rushed to the hospital, a trip filled with fear and uncertainty. “It was probably the longest ride of my life,” she reflected. Upon arrival, doctors informed them of the severity of Reuben’s injuries; they said he might not survive the night.

When Morfin entered the room where Reuben was on life support, she saw her son bandaged and fighting for life. “I asked if I could kiss him one last time before they turned off the machines,” she recalled, a poignant moment filled with heartache.

The suspect, a teenager at the time, was later identified as a member of the Posole gang. He had previously been deported and fled to Mexico after the incident, eventually serving a 45-year prison sentence there.

Following Reuben’s death, Morfin’s life changed dramatically. She founded Moms Against Gang Violence, advocating for stricter law enforcement and immigration controls. “I advocate for victims like Ruben so that he remains alive in spirit,” she stated.

Morfin praised former President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies, expressing gratitude for the way he helped amplify her son’s story. “It takes courage to do what he’s doing,” she remarked.

She also expressed concern about today’s political climate, asserting that current lawmakers focus on bringing in more voters rather than addressing safety issues. “There are a lot of new victims,” she lamented.

Nicole Kyprilov, executive director of American Border Story, commented on the Morfin family’s tragic experience, noting that behind every statistic are real people and families left to cope with their loss. She hopes Mullin will prioritize the safety of the American community in his new role.