Watsonville man found guilty of shooting ex-wife, killing her friend

A Watsonville man was found guilty of shooting his ex-wife and killing her friend.

The incident happened on Dec. 12, 2016.

According to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, Jose Luis Ramos approached his ex-wife, Maria Elena Rocha and her friend Santiago Avalos as they were sitting in a car.

The DA’s Office said Ramos pulled out a gun and shot Avalos twice and then shot Rocha three times. Avalos died at the scene. Rocha survived the multiple gunshot wounds and testified at trial.

Ramos faces life in prison.

District Attorney Rosell said “My condolences are with the family of Santiago Avalos. I want to praise the courage of Maria Elena Rocha for testifying at trial and facing the man who stalked and shot her in court.”

Ramos was convicted for the murder of Avalos, attempted murder of his ex-wife and shooting into an occupied vehicle.