Redmond murder suspect makes first court appearance

A Redmond man accused of fatally shooting a woman in the back late Friday night as she fled, trying to break up with him, appeared in court Monday, as the victim’s grieving brother issued a statement about the “very beautiful, loving young woman.”

Mario Emanuel Morataya, 23, appeared in Deschutes County Circuit Court on murder and other charges in the killingr of 24-year-old Rebekah Gomes of Redmond.

Morataya appeared in handcuffs by video from the jail, accompanied by his defense attorney. The arraignment lasted only a few minutes, and Morataya did not speak.

Gomes’ brother said in a statement: “My sister was a very beautiful, loving young mother, sister, and daughter, who taught preschool and touched the lives of many young kids and their families. She will be greatly missed by many friends and family here and in Hawaii.”

With the public’s help,Morataya was tracked down 65 miles away, at a hotel in Mitchell, and arrested Saturday on murder, kidnap and other charges.

Shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, police responded to the 800 block of Northeast Larch Avenue on a report of a possibly intoxicated female lying in the street, said Sgt. Curtis Chambers.

Officers arrived and learned the woman, later identified as Gomes had suffered a gunshot wound in the back, Chambers said, adding that evidence at the scene indicated she was shot while trying to flee her attacker.

Gomes was taken to St. Charles Redmond, where she was pronounced dead, the sergeant said.

Police learned Gomes lived at 820 Larch Avenue with other family members, and had been in a relationship with Morataya.

“It is believed Ms. Gomes was attempting to end their relationship prior to this incident,” Chambers said in a news release.

Redmond police had alerted the public early Saturday to be on the lookout for Morataya, described as an armed and dangerous person of interest in the case. They also said he last was known to be driving a black 2003 Chevy Silverado pickup truck with Hawaii license plates. Lt. Mike Kidwell indicated police believed he was en route to California.

With the public’s assistance, Morataya’s pickup truck was located at a hotel in the Wheeler County town of Mitchell, about 90 minutes northeast of Redmond, Chambers said.

Shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday, a Wheeler County sheriff’s deputy contacted Morataya near his truck, taking him into custody with incident, the police spokesman said. A shotgun was recovered inside the pickup, Chambers added.

Oregon State Police brought Morataya back to Redmond, where he was interviewed by police investigators and OSP troopers.

Morataya then was taken to the Deschutes County Jail and booked on charges of murder, first-degree kidnap, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He’s being held without bail.

Morataya “should be considered armed and dangerous,” Kidwell said in the early Saturday news release. “If you see this vehicle, please immediately call 911, and do not attempt to approach or contact” the driver.

Neighbors in the quiet residential neighborhood expressed shock Saturday at learning of such a violent crime happening so close to home.

“She’d been there for a while and there was blood on the ground, and on her face,” resident Bob Meyers told NewsChannel 21.

Police cordoned off the scene with crime scene tape and closed the street as well, leaving neighbors trapped and not knowing what was going on.

Randi Moore said she went out to start her truck around 7 a.m. and police “came over and they were like, ‘Sorry, you can’t leave until we’re done.'”

Moore said she was awakened by police lights and sirens, “so it’s a little scary. You don’t know what is going to happen next.”

She also said she met the victim and her son (along with a nephew) recently, and she seemed like a nice woman.

“Yeah, it’s very hard — especially having a little one, and you feel for her. It’s a very sad deal.”

The brother of the homicide victim, identifying her as Rebakah Gomes Wallace, has started a Go Fund Me page to raise funds for funeral expenses. Brian Wallace noted she leaves behind a 5-year-old son.

Chambers wrote, “Redmond police would like to thank members of the Central Oregon Major Crimes Team (Deschutes County DA’s Office, Deschutes County DA’s Office Victims Assistance Program, Bend Police, Oregon State Police, and
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office), Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Public Works – Transportation Division and Oregon Department of Transportation – Mitchell Worksite for all of their assistance in this investigation.

“Additionally, we wish to thank the members of the public who provided information on Mr. Morataya, his vehicle and his possible whereabouts.

“If you, or someone you know, are a domestic violence victim programs are available to help persons escape those relationships,” Chambers said.

He called Saving Grace “an excellent resource for domestic violence victims and children. Saving Grace is based in Bend, but offers its services to all of Central Oregon. Their 24-hour helpline phone number is 541-389-7021, and outside of Bend people can call 866-504-8992.

Trish Meyer with Saving Grace said Monday there are early warning signs of an abusive relationship, such as extremely jealous or possessive behavior by the abuser.

“Controlling behaviors on the part of the abuser are really common, too, and that can lead to the victim feeling isolated in their home,” Meyer said.

Meyer said one in three women experience domestic violence in their lifetime nationwide. Saving Grace helps around 4,500 victims of domestic violence a year.