On September 23, 2019, Carlos Abraham, aged 20, was tragically killed in a shooting incident in Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred at the Santa Fe Apartments in central Bakersfield, where Carlos and his 34-year-old sister, Louise Abraham, were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Both siblings were pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting took place shortly before 1 a.m., and it was reported that Louise Abraham's three children, aged 6, 8, and 10, were present during the incident
but were not injured.
The Bakersfield Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter activation and a 911 call reporting the shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Carlos and Louise Abraham. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Moris Matauto Gilmete, was apprehended after a brief police chase that ended in a collision on Highway 178. Gilmete was found with a firearm in his vehicle and was subsequently arrested on charges including two counts of murder.
Investigations revealed that the shooting was the culmination of a night of drinking with family and neighbors. Gilmete, who had a history of domestic violence, shot both his wife, Louise Abraham, and her brother, Carlos Abraham, multiple times. During the trial, it was disclosed that Louise had made a desperate 911 call, during which she expressed fear for her life. Gilmete's violent actions were described as premeditated, with him stating that he intended to shoot "everyone" because he believed he could not get into more trouble than he already was.
In October 2022, Moris Gilmete was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and other related charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing, Gilmete apologized to the Abraham family, his neighbors, and the city of Bakersfield. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence, as Gilmete had previously been convicted of battery and violating court orders to prevent domestic violence. The tragic deaths of Carlos and Louise Abraham left a profound impact on their family and community, both in the United States and in their native Micronesia.
