On Friday, Judge Samuel K. Feng set bail at $10 million in the case of David Morales, the 19-year-old suspect involved in a two-car collision on New Year’s day that killed two people on 21st Street and South Van Ness Avenue.
Feng scheduled Morales’ arraignment for Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 9 a.m. at the Hall of Justice, following a court appearance Friday afternoon.
Morales is being charged with two murders, three attempted murders, evading a peace officer, causing bodily harm, participation in a gang, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
The public defender’s office indicated in court that it needed several days to appoint an attorney for Morales.
Feng also agreed to issue an order that Morales keep 150 yards away from the three individuals he allegedly shot at on Jan. 1 near Valencia Gardens on 14th and Guerrero streets before police attempted a traffic stop.
District Attorney George Gascón held a brief press conference after Morales’ court appearance.
“It’s a real tragedy,” Gascón said. “We are going to be prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law. We do not tolerate violence.”
Gascón stressed that it is important for families and parents to play a role in their children’s lives and help keep them away from gangs.
“They need to look at the consequences,” he said. “There is nothing glamorous about this activity.”
The district attorney described Morales as a known Norteño gang member who was on probation in San Mateo County for a gang-related charge. No bail was set for Morales’ probation violation.
Gascón said that because Morales is being charged with murder and not vehicular manslaughter, he could face up to 200 years in prison. The murder charge is justified, Gascon said, because there is sufficient evidence that Morales acted willfully in evading the police.
In addition to the deaths and injuries caused by the collision, Gascón said, if Morales is convicted, “you have a 19-year-old who will spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Kudos to District Attorney Gascón for promising to get tough on the suspect in this highly depraved crime. If Morales is found guilty of the acts alleged by prosecutors, he deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison. Let’s hope it gets the attention of other (alleged) gang members in the area.