Ernie Calzadilla, a 27-year-old Latino, was tragically killed on December 31, 2015, in Rowland Heights, California. The incident occurred during a New Year's Eve celebration at a friend's family home on Batson Avenue. The party turned deadly when Michael John Morey, the father of Calzadilla's friend, Christopher Morey, fatally shot his bedridden mother, his girlfriend, and Calzadilla. The motive behind the shooting appeared to be a dispute over the use of a washing machine, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that the group had been drinking at the time of the incident.
Christopher Morey, aged 33, managed to wrestle the gun away from his father and shot him once, killing him. All four victims, including Calzadilla, were pronounced dead at the scene. The authorities had been called to the residence 25 times over the past three years due to various disturbances, highlighting a history of domestic issues at the Morey household. Following the incident, Christopher Morey was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder. However, he was released two days later due to insufficient evidence. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, but no decision had been made at that time.
Calzadilla's death left his family and friends devastated. He was remembered as a kind and generous individual who often visited the Morey household. His brother, Wilfred Calzadilla, recounted how Ernie was struggling with the loss of his warehouse job and found solace in the company of Christopher Morey and his girlfriend. They would often provide him with food, drinks, and even money to support his 10-month-old daughter. On the night of the shooting, Calzadilla had planned to celebrate New Year's Eve with relatives but decided to stay at the Morey house instead.
The aftermath of the shooting saw an outpouring of grief from Calzadilla's loved ones. They gathered outside the house, placing candles and flowers at a makeshift memorial. His father, Ronald Calzadilla, expressed his sorrow and frustration, having warned his son multiple times not to visit the Morey residence. The tragic timing of the incident was particularly heartbreaking for the family, as Ernie had just secured a new job at another warehouse. The investigation into the shooting continued, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
