35-year-old Jayme Morton was murdered inside the defendant’s Palm City home in March 2023, according to prosecutors.

SAN DIEGO — An emotional sentencing hearing got underway Tuesday morning for a man convicted of murdering and dismembering a woman in 2023, and of raping a second woman he held captive.

The victim who was murdered was 35-year-old Jayme Morton. She was killed in March of 2023 inside the defendant, Rafael Banda’s Palm City home.

Three of her family members were in the courtroom for Tuesday’s hearing. Her sister-in-law, Stephanie Morton, told the judge Jayme was the mother of two boys.

“They’ll never see their mom again, she won’t be there for all the special events in their lives, yearly birthdays, graduation, learning to drive, getting their first job, getting married, maybe having their own children someday,” she said through tears as she spoke about the future Jayme will never experience and the children she left behind.

Jayme’s brother, Michael Morton, also addressed the court.

“Jayme’s teenage son, I had to tell him his mom was gone,” he said tearfully.

He said the past three years, he’s been in and out of court hearings, listening to the graphic details of his sister’s death, while at the same time, trying to be there for Jayme’s kids. The oldest, just graduated high school.

“There was an emptiness. His mom wasn’t there,” said Michael sadly. “I know she would have been so proud of him for that accomplishment.”

“We also adopted her youngest son, raising him right along our own kids, and I know one day years down the road, we will have to sit down with him and explain to him who his mother really is and what really happened to her,” he added.

Many broke down as they detailed the loss, fear and upheaval the crimes have caused.

A jury convicted 47-year-old Rafeal Banda in November of Morton’s murder, as well as the rape of a second woman, referred to in court as Jane Doe. That woman’s sister, spoke out during Tuesday’s hearing.

“He tried to take everything from her, but he failed. She’s still here, she’s home, surrounded by people who love her. He did not break her, but he did leave damage that will never fully go away,” she testified over Teams.

Prosecutors said the motive in this case, was Banda believed Morton had stolen money or a jacket from him. They also said the second victim had been held captive inside Banda’s home and raped. She had refused to help him dismember Morton’s body.

Banda did not look at the victims’ family members as they spoke. Two of his own relatives were present in the courtroom. His father told the judge he believes his son is innocent.

“All I can say is I love my son,” said Banda’s father. 

Banda did not speak during the hearing Tuesday. However, his defense attorney indicated he wrote a letter to the judge. 

Banda was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus 25 years to life. He also received six years for a separate case that involved an assault on a nurse in East County.

“It’s heart wrenching, these families are never going to be the same again,” said aid Deputy DA Joshua Brisbane. “Jane Doe will never be the same again. But what we hope is that this brings a sense of feeling of a sense of justice.”