Murder Arraignment in Vista

Vista — A Vista Superior Court judge has found enough evidence for an Oceanside man who allegedly murdered his roommate to face trail. The judge, Joel Pressmen, bound over Jesus Borja, age 28, on one count of first-degree murder for the May 18 death of Ramon Garcia Hilario. An additional enhancement that Borja used a knife to commit the murder is attached to the charge.

If convicted, Borja may face 26 years to-life. Prosecutors said they don’t plan to seek the death penalty in this case. Pressman scheduled an arraignment date on Jan 14, at which time Borja will enter a plea and a trial date may be set.

Prosecutors allege Borja was intoxicated when stabbed Hilario to death because he was upset about his aunt’s relationship with Hilario. Borja’s family owned and lived in the home on Stephanie Avenue in Oceanside where the murder occurred, according to witness testimony. They rented the back patio out to migrant workers, who blocked out their sleeping area with hanging sheets. Though no eyewitnesses to the stabbing testified during the preliminary hearing, one renter said he awoke to Hilario gasping for help as the defendant was on top of him with the knife. The witness said that both men were covered in blood.

Under cross-examination by defense attorney Ron Vanesian, Borja’s brother, Gilberto Vasquez, testified that his family had taken issue with Hilario’s treatment of his aunt and her kids. Borja’s bail was set at $5million.