Nearly four years ago, a convicted murderer who stabbed his girlfriend to death was allegedly jumped and punched during his sentencing in a California courtroom.
Ventura County District Attorney Eric Nasarenko announced Thursday that Yulen Balbuena, 33, was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Zyla Patino-Trejo, 31. . press release.
according to ventura starVentura County District Attorney's Office spokesman Joey Battitta said a “brief altercation” occurred as an emotional victim impact statement was being read in court.
Butita said Patino-Trejo's stepfather lunged at the convicted killer and landed “at least” one punch.
Google engineer suspected of murdering wife found 'covered in blood' in upscale California residential area Home: Police
Yuren Balbuena was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for three felonies, including the 2020 murder of Zaira Patino Trejo, 31. (Ventura County District Attorney's Office)
Zyla Patino-Trejo's stepfather allegedly lunged at Yulen Balbuena during a victim impact statement. (Ventura County District Attorney's Office)
Authorities said the unexpected attack occurred while the victim's mother was giving a heartfelt statement.
Photos released by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office showed Valbuena's reaction to the assault.
Local newspapers said the stepfather was removed from court after the attack.
Balbuena was found guilty by a jury on November 21 of last year of first-degree murder, shooting causing serious bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon against Patino-Trejo's mother. (Ventura County District Attorney's Office)
The district attorney announced that Mr. Balbuena was sentenced following the brutal attack on February 27, 2020.
Authorities say the 33-year-old man and Patino-Trejo were in the middle of an argument inside an apartment in Simi Valley, Calif., when the victim's mother arrived at the apartment.
Patino-Trejo noticed “signs of further abuse” on her daughter's face and tried to leave with her, but Balbuena wouldn't let her leave the apartment.
Maryland State Police searching for suspect who shot and killed snowplow driver
Authorities said Balbuena grabbed a kitchen knife and began swinging it at the victim's mother. Police said the man slashed her twice in the head, then turned her around and stabbed Patino-Trejo.
The mother of the victim, who was also stabbed twice during the attack, was reading a shocking statement when her husband, the victim's stepfather, lunged at Yulen Balbuena. (Ventura County District Attorney's Office)
Authorities said Balbuena stabbed his girlfriend, Patino Trejo, “more than 30 times” with “several knives.”
Patino-Trejo's mother managed to escape from the apartment and contacted bystanders, who alerted local police.
According to the DA's office, Balbuena was arrested by police and convicted by a jury on November 21, 2023, of first-degree murder of Patino-Trejo, assault causing serious injury and assault with a deadly weapon against her mother.
Yulen Balbuena sentenced to 33 years in prison for murdering girlfriend (Simi Valley Police Department)
Following Balbuena's sentencing, Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner said in a statement that she “pursued justice” for the victim's family.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Zayla Patino-Trejo was a very vibrant young woman with a bright future,” Suttner said. “Although we cannot make up for her unimaginable loss, we have sought justice for Zaira and her family. We are grateful for the knowledge that Yulen Balbuena is responsible for her brutal murder. I hope this sentence brings some peace to her family.”
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
