SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV) - A gang member was sentenced to more than 126 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of Navy pilot James Celani at Horton Plaza in 2017.
"This is not living. This is hell," said Celani's cousin, Sean, who was also shot in the incident. "Mr. Morris killed my happiness and my life."
Sean, who asked not to have his last name revealed, and Celani were at the Mad House Comedy Club that night. Upon leaving the club, they walked past a group of men, including Morris. Sean said he offered an innocent greeting, "What's up, brother?" At that point, Morris pulled a gun and opened fire, killing Celani and hitting Sean in the leg. Prosecutors say Morris, who has a history of violence, was angry because of a fight that evening with his girlfriend.
Celani's wife spoke during a victim impact statement, describing how she and their three children have suffered since her husband's murder. She called for Morris to get the maximum sentence. "The system couldn't or wouldn't protect Jim and Sean from Arrow Morris, but you can safeguard society from Arrow Morris by letting the punishment fit the crime and sending him to prison for the rest of his life."
Morris has 60 days to appeal his sentence.
