The stepfather of 31-year-old Zaira Patino-Trejo lunged at convicted killer Euren Balbuena during his sentencing hearing in Ventura County, California.
A convicted killer was allegedly lunged at and punched in a California courtroom during his sentencing for stabbing his girlfriend to death nearly four years ago.
Euren Balbuena, 33, was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend, 31-year-old Zaira Patino-Trejo, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced in a Thursday press release.
According to the Ventura Star, citing Joey Buttitta, a spokesperson for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, a «brief altercation» happened as the emotional victim impact statements were being read in court.
Buttita said that Patino-Trejo’s stepfather lunged at the convicted killer and landed «at least» one punch.
Authorities said that the unexpected attack came while the victim’s mother was giving a heartfelt statement.
Photos released by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office showed Balbuena’s reaction from the attack.
