SALINA, Kansas — A 38-year-old local man has been convicted of premeditated murder in connection with the 2021 shooting death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez. A jury in Saline County found Juan Doroteo Morales guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and felon in possession of a firearm, as confirmed by the Kansas Attorney General’s office.
The tragic incident unfolded in August 2021 when Ramirez was shot while walking his dog near the intersection of Front Street and East Iron Avenue. Emergency responders arrived to find him injured on the street; he later succumbed to his wounds at a nearby hospital.
Investigations revealed that Morales, along with co-defendants Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos, and Kiera Stewart, allegedly enticed Ramirez to the location before the shooting occurred. Surveillance footage captured a vehicle circling the area before stopping and two individuals exiting to open fire. Damage from the gunfire included shattered windows at a Fresh Market and a nearby city bus stop sign.
Detectives discovered firearms connected to the crime hidden in a drainage system several blocks from the scene. The thorough investigation was a collaborative effort between the Salina Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
In a statement, Deputy Attorney General Jessica Domme expressed satisfaction with the accountability of those involved in Ramirez’s death, stating, “Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served.”
Kiera Stewart pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree intentional murder, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery in October 2022. She provided critical testimony during Morales’ trial. Jaime Leos accepted a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder in July 2024. Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas for second-degree intentional murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.
Sentencing dates have been set for the defendants, with Stewart and Jaime Leos due to be sentenced on May 16 and Jacob Leos on May 20. Morales’s sentencing is slated for August 15 in Saline County District Court.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the critical role of community cooperation in achieving justice.
This article was automatically generated by OpenAI. The facts, people, circumstances, and narrative may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by emailing [email protected].