Grieving father lands blow on convicted murderer amid victim impact statements

In a dramatic turn of events during the sentencing hearing of a Simi Valley man convicted of brutally murdering his girlfriend, the courtroom witnessed chaos as the victim’s stepfather attacked the killer. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, January 17, when 33-year-old Euren Balbuena was sentenced to life in prison for the 2020 murder of Zaira Patino-Trejo, 31.

Balbuena had fatally stabbed Patino-Trejo over 30 times in their Simi Valley home, with prosecutors arguing the total could be closer to 95. The horrifying incident occurred in February 2020 when Patino-Trejo’s mother, Ariadna Avetisyan, attempted to leave the residence with her daughter after knowing about their ongoing argument and history of domestic violence.

During the sentencing hearing, family members gathered in the courtroom to read victim impact statements. As Avetisyan emotionally addressed the court, her grieving husband couldn’t contain his anguish and attacked Balbuena. A spokesman for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Joey Buttitta, confirmed that at least one blow was landed on Balbuena before officials intervened, leading to the stepfather’s removal from the courtroom.

The reading of impact statements resumed an hour later, and Balbuena, handcuffed and looking confused, was pictured in the aftermath of the attack. As of Thursday afternoon, no case had been filed concerning the courtroom incident with the District Attorney’s office.

Balbuena was convicted in November 2023 of first-degree murder, battery causing great bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon. The life sentence handed down includes eligibility for parole in 33 years. Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner expressed the hope that the sentencing would bring some relief to the family, acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of Zaira Patino-Trejo.