PALM CITY, Calif. — A man has been sentenced to multiple life terms in prison after being convicted of murder, rape, and kidnapping in a shocking Palm City case.
Rafael Reyes Banda, 47, received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 years to life, after being found guilty of killing 35-year-old Jayme Dawn Morton. Morton’s body was discovered at Banda’s Citrus Avenue home in March 2023.
Prosecutors said Banda also held another woman captive at the home, sexually assaulted her, and forced her to help dismember Morton’s body. The woman escaped and alerted a passerby, which led to Banda’s arrest.
During the trial, prosecutors said Banda tied up and beat Morton after accusing her of theft. The defense argued that Morton may have died of a drug overdose and questioned the credibility of the surviving victim.
Banda was convicted by a jury in November of murder, rape, and kidnapping charges. He is required to register as a sex offender.
Judge Francis Devaney denied a defense request to dismiss Banda’s prior strike convictions, which stemmed from earlier stabbing incidents. The judge cited the severity of the crimes, Banda’s criminal history, and pending cases as reasons.
In a separate East County case, Banda pleaded guilty to assaulting a nurse and received six years in prison to be served consecutively to his current sentence. He also faces another pending assault case involving an alleged attack on a jail inmate.
During sentencing, Morton’s family spoke emotionally about their loss. She is survived by two sons, one of whom has already graduated high school. Family members expressed that Morton’s absence has left a lasting impact on their lives and milestones.
Relatives also shared that they had hoped Morton could overcome personal struggles and rebuild her life—a chance they said was taken away by Banda’s violent actions.
