The Tragic Incident Involving Ruben Berumen
The notorious “Kia boy” criminal trend may have waned in recent times, but the repercussions of its violence were tragically felt when 39-year-old Ruben Berumen, with a history of attempted murder, was arrested for the murder of 24-year-old migrant Franyerson Perez Morales.
Having served time for attempted murder in 2007 and with an active federal warrant for gun charges in Indiana, Berumen’s actions on December 7, 2024, shook the community. The incident unfolded on East 80th Street, where Morales and his companions confronted a group of “Kia boys” attempting to steal a car. In a brave act of intervention, they chased after one of the criminals who had entered the victim’s vehicle.
It was then that Berumen, allegedly armed and dangerous, emerged from a Dodge Durango and opened fire on the men pursuing the car thief. With seven shots fired, Morales was fatally wounded in the back and head, while another man sustained injuries in the chaos.
During the court proceedings, Judge Shauna Boliker emphasized Berumen’s affiliation with the Kia theft crew and his reckless actions, stating that he shot at the victims without fully understanding the situation. Berumen now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, and two counts of aggravated assault by discharging a firearm.
