Suspects Charged With Capital Murder In North Hollywood Robbery Shooting

Danilo Estuardo Morales. Screenshot/KTLA.

Two suspects arrested last week in the January 9 murder of a 24-year-old man who came to his grandfather's aid during a mugging have been charged today with capital murder.

Evin Adonis Ortiz, 22, of Valley Glen and Rene Ramirez, 29, of Mission Hills were charged today in the shooting murder of Danilo Estuardo Morales. The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery. Additionally, both men are charged with one count each of attempted murder, assault with a firearm and second-degree robbery. Ramirez is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, reports City News Service.

Morales was shot and killed outside his North Hollywood home in the 8100 block of Coldwater Canyon Avenue after chasing a trio of bandits who had just mugged his 68-year-old grandfather, Manuel Flores, in his driveway. After hearing his grandfather's cries for help and the sound of a gunshot, Morales rushed outside and chased the suspects as they fled in their vehicle, a white SUV. One of the bandits fired on Morales during the getaway. He was shot in the head and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Flores was robbed of his wallet and jewelry but did not suffer any injuries.

Ortiz's arraignment is slated for this afternoon in Van Nuys; Ramirez is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

A third suspect is still at large.