Grieving stepfather lunges across California court and PUNCHES his daughter’s murderer after he was sentenced to life for stabbing his then girlfriend to death

A man sentenced to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend was attacked in court by the victim’s stepfather before being led away.

Euren Balbuena, 33, was convicted in November of the 2020 murder of then 31-year-old Zaira Patino-Trejo.

Balbuena stabbed Patino-Trejo more than 30 times in front of her mother, Ariana Avetisyan, whom he also hit in the head.

While Avetisyan was giving her victim statement, her husband suddenly lunged at Balbuena.

Patino-Trejo’s stepfather gave the killer “a few punches” before they had to separate, a Ventura County spokesman said.

Balbuena stabbed Patino-Trejo (pictured) more than 30 times in front of her mother, Ariana Avetisyan, whom he also hit in the head

Impact statements continued after a delay of approximately 45 minutes to remove the stepfather from the courtroom.

Balbuena appeared stunned by the attack in photos released by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, which showed him being restrained by a bailiff.

The Public Prosecution Service has not yet filed charges against the stepfather. DailyMail.com has contacted the district attorney for comment.

Patino-Trejo’s mother, Avetisyan, went to the couple’s apartment in Simi Valley on February 17, 2020 after not hearing from her and knowing a history of domestic violence between them.

When she arrived, she saw signs of physical damage from Balbuena on her daughter’s face.

She tried to get Patino-Trejo to leave Balbuena before blocking them and punching Avetisyan twice in the face.

He then used multiple knives to stab his girlfriend at least 30 times, which prosecutors said was closer to 95.

Avetisyan ran from the scene and called 911 after her daughter died, her face still bleeding, according to a bystander she flagged down for help.

The impact statements continued after a delay of approximately 45 minutes to remove the stepfather from the courtroom and keep him away from Balbuena

According to a Ventura County spokesperson, Patino-Trejo’s stepfather “landed a few punches” on killer Balbuena (pictured) before they had to part ways.

“Zaira Patino-Trejo was such a vibrant young woman with a bright future,” Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner said in a statement.

“We cannot replace her unimaginable loss, but we have pursued justice for Zaira and her family,” Suttner added.

“We hope that this sentence will bring some small relief to her family, knowing that Euren Balbuena has been held accountable for her brutal murder.”

Balbuena was convicted on charges of battery causing great bodily harm, assault with a deadly weapon and first-degree murder.

He now faces 33 years to life in prison.

Balbuena was convicted on charges of battery causing serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon and first-degree murder

Balbuena now faces a prison sentence of 33 years to life for his brutal attack on Patino-Trejo

Authorities said they believed police had responded to the apartment on previous occasions, but provided no further information KTL.

Patino-Trejo worked for Merrill Lynch, with the company paying tribute to her in a statement.

“Zaira was a valued member of our team and served our customers with great professionalism and care,” a company spokesperson said.

“Our sincere condolences go out to all her family, friends and those who were fortunate enough to know her.”