As part of the plea deal he struck last month, Raymond Morua agreed to participate in an anti-drunk driving PSA, and on Friday, TV Santa Barbara filmed an interview with him about the dangers of the crime that killed Mallory Dies and sent Morua to prison for 20 years to life. Mallory’s father, Matt, said the PSA is a collaboration between TVSB, the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Vow4Mal, an anti-drinking and driving awareness group created by Mallory’s friends and family after her death.
The television spot may also feature comments from himself, his wife, Cottage Hospital trauma surgeons, and Santa Barbara police officers, said Matt. The details are still being worked out. Morua’s interview was unscripted, Matt continued, explaining the organizers wanted honest reactions from the former congressional aid. The taping took place at County Jail, and Morua will soon to be transferred to Wasco State Prison. It’s not clear when the PSA will be broadcast.
“We’re strange bedfellows,” admitted Matt of Vow4Mal’s relationship with Morua. And though he killed Mallory, Morua may help save lives in the future, Matt explained before crediting defense attorney Darryl Genis with coming up with the PSA idea.
Matt said Vow4Mal has been gaining a lot of traction in recent weeks and months, and is partnering with Project Safer’s Be The DD program on September 25-27. For more information, visit the Vow4Mal Facebook page. If you’re interested in volunteering for the weekend event, email mateo@vow4mal.org.