San Diego, February 7, 2026
Victor Cruz, a 20-year-old man, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for assaulting his girlfriend, Vivian Avila, at a Mission Valley motel. Though Cruz’s actions inflicted injuries, the court found no direct link to Avila’s death, which was attributed to natural causes. Judge Polly Shamoon highlighted the repeated instances of domestic violence in their relationship during the sentencing. Cruz expressed remorse for his actions, emphasizing the ongoing issue of domestic abuse in such cases.
San Diego Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Assault on Girlfriend in Mission Valley Motel
San Diego, California – Victor Cruz, 20, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison after pleading guilty to assault and domestic violence charges related to the injury of his girlfriend, Vivian Avila, 24, at a Mission Valley motel in January 2025. The court determined that while Cruz’s actions inflicted injuries upon Avila, they could not conclusively be linked to her death, which was ruled as natural causes from a blood clot.
On January 17, 2025, police and paramedics responded to a call at approximately 1:45 a.m. at a Hotel Circle North motel, where they found Avila deceased. Initial investigations indicated visible injuries and suggested a possible domestic violence connection. Cruz and another man were present in the room; Cruz was arrested on suspicion of causing Avila’s death. However, the medical examiner later determined that Avila died from natural causes, specifically a large blood clot that traveled from her leg to her heart, and could not establish a direct link between Cruz’s assault and her death.
During sentencing, Superior Court Judge Polly Shamoon addressed the history of domestic violence in Cruz and Avila’s relationship, noting that there had been “constant” instances of domestic violence throughout their relationship. Judge Shamoon also criticized Cruz for his actions following the assault, stating that after beating Avila, he went to sleep and later called a friend for help rather than 911. Cruz expressed remorse through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, stating, “It kills me to know that I caused her pain in her final moments.”
The case highlights the complexities involved in domestic violence investigations, particularly when the cause of death cannot be definitively linked to the alleged assault. Despite the medical examiner’s findings, the court acknowledged the pattern of abusive behavior and the impact on Avila’s family, leading to the sentencing of Cruz to seven years in state prison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Victor Cruz sentenced for?
Victor Cruz was sentenced to seven years in state prison after pleading guilty to assault and domestic violence charges related to the injury of his girlfriend, Vivian Avila, at a Mission Valley motel in January 2025.
What was the cause of Vivian Avila’s death?
The medical examiner determined that Vivian Avila died from natural causes, specifically a large blood clot that traveled from her leg to her heart, and could not establish a direct link between Cruz’s assault and her death.
What did Judge Polly Shamoon say during sentencing?
Judge Polly Shamoon addressed the history of domestic violence in Cruz and Avila’s relationship, noting that there had been “constant” instances of domestic violence throughout their relationship. She also criticized Cruz for his actions following the assault, stating that after beating Avila, he went to sleep and later called a friend for help rather than 911.
Did Victor Cruz express remorse?
Yes, through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, Victor Cruz expressed remorse, stating, “It kills me to know that I caused her pain in her final moments.”
What does this case highlight?
This case highlights the complexities involved in domestic violence investigations, particularly when the cause of death cannot be definitively linked to the alleged assault. Despite the medical examiner’s findings, the court acknowledged the pattern of abusive behavior and the impact on Avila’s family, leading to the sentencing of Cruz to seven years in state prison.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Victor Cruz, 20 |
| Victim | Vivian Avila, 24 |
| Location of Incident | Hotel Circle North motel, Mission Valley, San Diego |
| Date of Incident | January 17, 2025 |
| Charges | Assault and domestic violence |
| Sentence | Seven years in state prison |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (blood clot) |
| Medical Examiner’s Finding | No direct link between assault and death |
| Judge’s Remarks | Criticized Cruz for history of domestic violence and actions following assault |
| Cruz’s Statement | Expressed remorse through interpreter |
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