Court proceedings for a domestic violence murder trial against Curtis Ector Morales in Butte County have been delayed.
Morales, 43, is accused of shooting and killing his former partner Dakota Morningstar, 32, during a domestic dispute in Hurleton, east of Oroville, on April 13.
It’s the second murder potentially connected to domestic violence in Butte County this month.
At Butte County Superior Court in Oroville today, Morales’ defense lawyer, Ben Jacob with Jacob Law Firm, asked for a continuance that postpones the next step in the judicial process.
The request was granted by the judge and the preliminary hearing was set for May 22. At that time, the prosecution will need to present reasonable suspicion and evidence to move forward to trial.
Jacob told NSPR that the delay is for his team to conduct their own investigation.
“Just as the police have officers and detectives out looking for witnesses and any other evidence that could lead to working out what the actual story is involved with this case, we too, run a similar investigation,” he said. “We just don't have as many resources.”
The DA’s office alleges that Morales shot and killed Dakota Morningstar after the two broke up and she went to his house to gather her belongings and pick up her dog. Witnesses report they got into an argument before a gunshot was fired. When officers arrived on scene, Morningstar was pronounced dead.
Jacob says widely shared photos of his client and reactions about the case on social media have influenced public perception negatively. He asked the community to keep an open mind while the case unfolds.
"I think once all these facts that we're aware of come to light, then people will have a drastically different opinion of Mr. Morales,” he said.
The DA’s office did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 22.
