Vista, California — A 46-year-old Filipino American, Christian Bobila, was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 50 years, for the murders of his father-in-law and brother-in-law in Valley Center, San Diego County. The sentencing on Friday concluded a tragic case that shocked the local community.
A Vista jury convicted Bobila for the June 26, 2022, killings of 79-year-old Vicente Reyes and 45-year-old Vincent Reyes. Prosecutors attributed the violence to a prolonged family dispute stemming from Bobila’s marriage to Vicente Reyes’ daughter, which lacked Vicente’s approval.
Bobila traveled from the Bay Area to the Reyes family home on the day of the incident. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, he first shot Vincent Reyes three times while he was on the phone. Bobila then proceeded upstairs, where he shot Vicente Reyes in the head and chest. Afterward, he informed his mother-in-law about her son’s death while pointing to the patio.
Prosecutors stated that Bobila’s wife attempted to intervene, but he killed her father in her presence. He then fled in Vicente Reyes’ black minivan but was apprehended by officers a mile from the scene.
During his arraignment, Bobila pled not guilty but was found guilty in March of two counts of first-degree murder, firearm enhancements, and a special circumstance allegation of committing multiple murders.
“This was a horrific murder that senselessly devastated an entire family,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Although nothing can replace the loss of the two victims, I hope their surviving family members find some measure of justice with today’s sentence.”
The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic disputes and the need for intervention in family conflicts. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Reyes family during this challenging time.
