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The Canoga Park man charged with murdering his elderly relatives could face the death penalty, according to the District Attorney, although ultimately that decision will come when the case gets closer to trial.63-year-old Arthur Reyes Morales has been charged with two counts of murder with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders in the bludgeoning deaths of his mother, 87-year-old Rita Morales, and his uncle, 85-year-old Manuel Reyes. Morales was responsible for caring for his mother and his uncle, the latter of which was a double amputee.
He surrendered to the authorities who responded to the call to the scene the morning of April 30th. Investigators found the elderly pair dead inside the home, having suffered what appeared to be blunt force trauma. The DA's office has alleged Morales used a hammer in the commission of the crimes.
Morales is due to be arraigned this afternoon in Van Nuys, where he is being held without bail.
