RIVERSIDE, CA – Michelle Louise Morris-Kerin, 82, and Edward Lawrence “Larry” Kerin, 81, face renewed legal challenges as the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office reindicts them on multiple charges, including murder and endangerment. The charges stem from their operation of a foster home for severely disabled children and adults.
A significant turn in the case came on Friday with the announcement of 15 counts against Michelle Morris-Kerin. These include second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter related to the death of 17-year-old Diane “Princess” Ramirez, who died in April 2019. Additional charges involve child endangerment, dependent adult endangerment causing potential great bodily injury or death, and lewd acts on dependent adults.
Edward Kerin faces nine counts, comprising involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, dependent adult endangerment, and lewd acts on dependent adults. These indictments come after a judge dismissed a second-degree murder count against Michelle Morris-Kerin over a year ago, citing insufficient evidence.
This case first drew attention with the arrest of the couple in 2021. Allegations point to severe mistreatment of individuals in their care, leading to the death of Ramirez. Authorities discovered that other residents had suffered abuse and neglect, the facility lacked proper 24-hour staffing, and medical records were not adequately maintained. Further investigations revealed that some adult dependents, unable to give consent, were involved in sexual activities allegedly facilitated and encouraged by the defendants.