Son With PTSD Sentenced In Abusive Father's Murder: Prosecutor

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Annapolis man who previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2016 stabbing death of his father was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison, authorities say. Leobardo Jolalpa-Ramirez, 23, of Annapolis was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms when forced his mother to watch as he stabbed his father in the neck. Prosecutors say the father physically abused his son and other family members.

"The unfortunate combination of mental health issues and the voluntary use of recreational drugs lead the defendant to murder his own father," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "I offer my deepest sympathies to the family, who are facing the loss of two loved ones as a result of this tragedy."

Annapolis Police were called to a home in the 300 block of Atwater Drive about 2:50 a.m. on Feb. 20, 2016, where Martin Jolalpa-Vazquez, 44, of Annapolis, was found bleeding profusely from stab wounds. He was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, police say.

Prosecutors say that before the assault Jolalpa-Ramirez woke his sleeping mother and asked her to follow him downstairs. The defendant then walked over to his father, who was sitting on a chair in the kitchen, grabbed the victim by the top of his hair, and stabbed him in the neck.

Jolalpa-Ramirez fled the house while his family members attended to the victim's wound. Officers quickly located the victim’s son at Great Bay Avenue and Annapolis Walk Drive.

According to statements given by the defendant and family, Martin Jolalpa-Vasquez was physically abusive toward Jolalpa-Ramirez and others. This recurring abuse was violent enough that Jolalpa-Ramirez was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Police initially charged Jolalpa-Ramirez with first- and second-degree murder, manslaughter, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in July.

»Photo of Leobardo Jolalpa-Ramirez, courtesy of Annapolis Police