No decision yet on death penalty for homicide suspects
by Eric Firpo
Dec 04, 2009 | 1232 views | 3 3 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print
It remains undecided whether two men accused of killing a Tracy woman during a robbery will face the death penalty.

At a brief hearing this morning, suspects Robert Morgan, 39, and Jorge Morgan, 24, pleaded not guilty to charges they killed Cynthia Ramos, 58. The Morgans, registered domestic partners in this county who have said in court they’re married, also face special circumstances allegations that they killed the woman during a robbery, during a burglary, and that they were lying in wait for her to return home.

Ramos was savagely attacked in her Green Oaks Mobile Home Park trailer on Aug. 6. The autopsy report showed she was stabbed 55 times, bludgeoned 13 times and strangled, according to testimony at the Morgans preliminary hearing.

Ramos’ roommate, Mary Arafiles, testified at that hearing that she saw the Morgans walking away from her mobile home carrying Ramos’ suitcase in which she kept all her valuables.

This morning, Judge Bernard Garber, prosecutor Valli Israels, Jorge Morgan attorney Eric Taylor and Robert Morgan attorney Charles Slote agreed to come back to court on Jan. 4 to see if they can set a trial date.

The special circumstances charges make the defendants eligible for the death penalty, but Israels said District Attorney Jim Willett has yet to decide whether to seek it.

Contact Tracy Press City Editor Eric Firpo at 830-4223 or efirpo@tracypress.com.
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comments (3)
« vicster0103 wrote on Monday, Dec 07 at 07:16 AM »
Shelly13, my words were not "harsh", honestly I was really refraining from what I really wanted to say. Until you've walked in my shoes, you have no idea of what her family, and longtime friends are going through. Yes I could have kept a few words out of the comment, but I felt they were fairly deserved. These are monsters who are wasting the taxpayers money in court wanting to be housed together and sit together in court, etc. Come on. . .This is not the Hilton or some luxurious resort. They (are accused) brutally murdered my dear friend (as the coroner stated, they killed her over and over and over again) Yes they should fry for what they did! And no, I have nothing against anyone's sexual preference.
« ConcernedParents wrote on Friday, Dec 04 at 10:22 PM »
Death! That's 4 for 4, anybody counting?

We are also sorry for this tragic loss.
« shelly13 wrote on Friday, Dec 04 at 09:46 PM »
vicster, your words are very harsh...and I agree 100%! Losers! I am so sorry for your loss and I pray for family and friends. I hope justice is served!


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