Convicted Murderer Sentenced for Simi Valley Killing

By Agencies
[email protected]

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Euren Balbuena (DOB 11/29/90), of Simi Valley, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, to 33 years to life in prison for three felony convictions, including the murder of girlfriend Zaira Patino-Trejo.

Balbuena was previously convicted by a jury on November 21, 2023, of the first-degree murder of Patino-Trejo, battery causing great bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon against her mother. The jury also found two special allegations to be true, that Balbuena personally used a knife in the killing and caused great bodily injury in commission of a felony.

On February 27, 2020, Balbuena and Ms. Patino-Trejo were in the middle of an argument inside of their Simi Valley apartment. Aware of the ongoing argument and a history of domestic violence in the relationship, the victim’s mother arrived at the apartment when she could not get in contact with Ms. Patino-Trejo. Seeing signs of more abuse on her daughter’s face, the victim’s mother tried to leave with her. Balbuena would not let Ms. Patino-Trejo out of the apartment and instead grabbed a kitchen knife swinging it at the victim’s mother. He slashed her twice in the head before turning and stabbing Ms. Patino-Trejo. Balbuena stabbed her more than 30 times with several knives, killing her.

The victim’s mother ran bleeding from the apartment and contacted a bystander who called 911. Simi Valley Police Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Balbuena who remained inside the apartment.

Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner and Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber prosecuted the case.

“Zaira Patino-Trejo was such a vibrant young woman with a bright future,” Suttner said. “We cannot replace her unimaginable loss, but we pursued justice for Zaira and her family. We hope that this sentence brings some small relief to her family, knowing that Euren Balbuena was held accountable for her brutal murder.” 

Case: 2020006946

Defendant Information:

Euren Balbuena (DOB 11/29/90)
Simi Valley

Charges Convicted of:

PC 187(a) – Murder
PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a deadly weapon
PC 243(e)(1) – Battery

Special Allegations found true:

PC 12022(b)(1) – Use of a deadly weapon
PC 12022.7(a) – Great bodily injury in commission of a felony