GUILTY TX - Sheriff: U.S. border patrol agent suspected of killing 4 women, 15 Sept 2018

[Niner]

WATCH LIVE: Day 8 of trial for former Border Patrol agent, accused serial killer Juan David Ortiz

The trial of Juan David Ortiz, a former Border Patrol agent accused of murdering four women near Laredo in 2018, is being tried in Bexar County after a change of venue was granted.

www.ksat.com

I book marked the twitter person's account - and will see if she tweets during trial. There is also live-streaming link in the article - if anyone wants to follow it!

 

[Niner]

Monday, November 28th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - TX – Melissa Ramirez (29) (found off of Hwy 255, Sept. 4, 2018, Laredo), Claudine Anne Luera (42) (found alive but died later in hospital off of Hwy 255, Sept. 13, 2018, Laredo), Guiselda Alicia Hernandez Cantu aka “Jane Doe” (35) (found off of Hwy I35, Sept. 15, 2018, Laredo) & Nicky Enriquez aka Janelle Ortiz aka Humberto Ortiz aka “John Doe” (28) (found early Sept. 15, 2018 off Hwy I35, transgender woman, Laredo) & Erika Pena () (escaped his assault on Sept. 14, 2018) – *Juan David Ortiz (35/now 39) arrested & charged (9/15/18) & arraigned (1/10/19) with 4 counts of capital (Felony) murder, 1 count of 2nd degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 1 count of 3rd degree unlawful restraint & evading arrest detention (Class A misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $2.63M bond. Denied bond reduction (10/18/18 & 10/3/19). DA will not seek DP. Transferred from Webb County jail to Bexar County jail to stand trial in Bexar County (10/19/22).
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office said Ortiz (ex-Border Patrol agent) video confession to the slayings, revealing an anger at the local sex trade & saying he wanted to clean it up, vigilante-style.
Trial began on 10/21/22 with jury selection in San Antonio, Bexar County. Jury selected.
Trial set to begin on 11/28/22. (~2 weeks)
Court hearings from 10/17/18 thru 10/17/22 & Jury Selection Day 1-5 (10/21 to 10/27/22) reference post #131 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lling-4-women-15-september-2018.390840/page-7
10/21/22: Jury selection Day 1. Order on State's motion for psychiatric examination of defendant signed by Judge Oscar Hale, Jr. Sealed - Jury chosen. 10/26/22: State's picture Exhibits 1-17 & 26-36 & exhibits 15-16 hand delivered to supervisor Kimberly Moreno.
Trial begins on 11/28/22 with opening statements.

 

[Really?]

I’m gonna watch this.
im looking to see it on KSAT YouTube….hopefully I’ll find it.

 

[Niner]

Well - I was going to do some tweets but nothing there yet - and now looking at the time here - almost 4pm - so it would be almost 8am in Texas - correct?

So - I will check in about an hour to see if this person will be tweeting.

 

[Really?]

Thanks niner.
I think 10 here in est.

 

[Niner]

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
1h
Later this morning the trial for Juan David Ortiz will begin. @ksatnews
will be streaming gavel to gavel. You can watch on all our platforms.

13m
Juan David Ortiz is now in the courtroom. Some pretrial motions are expected before opening statements are heard. Families of the four victims are taking up a couple rows here in the courtroom. Counsel for both sides are also here and ready to go.





link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT



I shall wait a bit - and gather up a bunch tweets...

 

[Niner]

Well - not too sure this person is going to be tweeting - last tweet was about 40 minutes ago - and that said waiting for the jurors to walk in.

I shall keep my eye on it though.

 

[Really?]

It’s on now……a juror was late…..

 

[Niner]

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
1hr
Court is awaiting all jurors to arrive and is expected to start as soon as they get here.

As we await opening here’s some background on this case. Ortiz is charged with the murders of four women all killed in a span of 2 weeks in 2018.

Ortiz was a former Border Patrol agent who worked as an intelligence specialist. He was arrested about 6 hours after victim Erika Peña was able to get away from him after he attacked her. She will be one of the first witnesses expected to testify.


link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT


This all there is for the last 1/2 hour.

and what @Really? said above - juror was late.

 

[Niner]

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
17m
The charge of the court is being read by Isidro Alaniz, Webb Co. District Attorney and lead prosecutor.



Ortiz has pled not guilty to all charges.

Jury has been brought in and opening statements will soon begin. Watch live now!

“You will hear from his own words how he took each woman to their final resting place.” DA Isidro Alaniz has summarized his case in his opening statements. He claims they have witness testimony and Ortiz also admitting to the crimes.

Defense attorney Joel Perez in his opening said parts of the investigation had flaws and also points out that key witness Erika Pena is not credible and admits to being a heroin and crack user.

link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT


It is getting late here & I have other stuff to do - so I will pick up the tweets in the morning - if there any! and post them!

 

[Niner]

for Monday, 11/28/22:


Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
On the stand now is Erika Pena, the alleged surviving victim of Ortiz.



Peña says Ortiz would take her to buy drugs and also was a client of hers. She says he was always nice to her and never did drugs with her.

On Sept. 14, 2018 she says Ortiz picked her up and they bought drugs, beer and went back to his house.

“As soon as we entered the house David wasn’t himself anymore.” Pena describing how Ortiz’s demeanor changed and how he admitted to being with Melissa Ramirez before she was killed.

“Someway somehow I took off running without my shirt.” Pena describes moments Ortiz pulled a gun on her.

Pena says her and Melissa Ramirez were friends and she knew Melissa had been with Ortiz as well.

Pena also says she knew all the victims and worked alongside them as prostitutes off San Bernardo Avenue in Laredo. Even recalls Janelle Ortiz as being her best friend.

State has passed the witness. Court is now going on a lunch recess and will resume at 2:15.

Court is back in session and the cross examination of Peña will begin.

Peña admits to being on methadone right now to help with her drug abuse problem and also to previously being a prostitute to support her drug habits

“Are you high right now? No, I’m on methadone. Are you aware it’s a synthetic heroin? No it’s not.” Defense attorney Joel Perez questions Peña’s current state on the stand.

“You’re making it sound like I’m crazy.” Peña gets defensive when questioned by Joel Perez regarding previous testimony that she heard a voice the night she says she was attacked by Ortiz.

“Are you lying today or then? Never.” Perez is referring to testimony in a hearing back in 2019 and how it differs from what Peña testified to today.

“I’ve been sober since January. Are you doing better today than in 2018? Yes.”
Peña talks about how she is doing now even after some downfalls the past four years.

Peña’s testimony has concluded.


link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT

 

[Niner]

for Monday, 11/28

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
11h
A hearing is now taking place outside of the jury's presence. This is regarding Hernandez's body camera footage being shown in court from Sept. 14, 2018, the night Peña ran up to him.

Next witness is DPS Trooper Francisco Hernandez. He is the trooper Peña ran to while he was pumping gas at a gas station in Laredo.



“I heard her yelling for help. She was scared and fearing for her life.” Hernandez described moments Peña ran up to him.

Trial will resume at around 8:15 am tomorrow. Make sure to follow our live stream.



link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, November 29th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:15am CT) - TX – Melissa Ramirez (29) (found off of Hwy 255, Sept. 4, 2018, Laredo), Claudine Anne Luera (42) (found alive but died later in hospital off of Hwy 255, Sept. 13, 2018, Laredo), Guiselda Alicia Hernandez Cantu aka “Jane Doe” (35) (found off of Hwy I35, Sept. 15, 2018, Laredo) & Nicky Enriquez aka Janelle Ortiz aka Humberto Ortiz aka “John Doe” (28) (found early Sept. 15, 2018 off Hwy I35, transgender woman, Laredo) & Erika Pena () (escaped his assault on Sept. 14, 2018) – *Juan David Ortiz (35/now 39) arrested & charged (9/15/18) & arraigned (1/10/19) with 4 counts of capital (Felony) murder, 1 count of 2nd degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 1 count of 3rd degree unlawful restraint & evading arrest detention (Class A misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $2.63M bond. Denied bond reduction (10/18/18 & 10/3/19). DA will not seek DP. Transferred from Webb County jail to Bexar County jail to stand trial in Bexar County (10/19/22).
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office said Ortiz (ex-Border Patrol agent) video confession to the slayings, revealing an anger at the local sex trade & saying he wanted to clean it up, vigilante-style.
Trial began on 10/21/22 with jury selection in San Antonio, Bexar County. Jury selected.
Trial began on 11/28/22. (~2 weeks).
Court hearings from 10/17/18 thru 10/17/22 & Jury Selection Day 1-5 (10/21 to 10/27/22) reference post #142 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lling-4-women-15-september-2018.390840/page-8
11/28/22 Monday, Trial Day 1: Judge & attorneys will go over pretrial motions before opening statements.
Opening statements by Webb County DA Isidro Alaniz, lead prosecutor & defense attorney Joel Perez.
For more info see posts #146, 149 & 150 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
State witness: Erika Peña.
For more info see post #151 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
State witness: DPS Trooper Francisco Hernandez.
For more info see post #152 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
Trial continues on Tuesday, 11/29/22.

 

[Niner]

for Tuesday, 11/29/22 - morning session.


Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
3hr
It’s Day 2 of the Juan David Ortiz Trial. Court is expected to begin sometime between 8:30 and 9am. Here is a recap of day 1 —>

Next witness on the stand DPS Trooper John Bradshaw.



Trooper Bradshaw was the one who spotted Ortiz at a gas station off San Bernardo Ave. in Laredo.

“He exited store and I gave him commands to put hands in the air. Eventually he takes off running.” Bradshaw explains moments he makes contact with Ortiz outside a gas station.

Surveillance footage from outside the gas station is being shown now to the jury.



It would take authorities about 2 1/2 hours after foot chase to secure and clear area Ortiz was hiding at.

Body cam footage is now being shown as authorities search a parking garage for Ortiz.

Ortiz was found on the fourth floor of parking garage hiding in the bed of a truck.

The 4th witness to take the stand is Trooper Javier Obregon who arrived right after Trooper Bradshaw at gas station.



Trooper Obregon is now recapping the moments he helps Trooper Bradshaw make contact with Ortiz outside gas station.

Short break being taken now.

Testimony continues with Trooper Obregon about pursuit of Ortiz after he fled on foot.

The moments Ortiz was arrested just shown to the jury.



The fifth witness to take the stand is Noel Gonzales who assisted the lead investigator for Webb Co. Sheriff’s Office.



“Take your trophy shot.” Gonzales says that is what Ortiz told him while he was transporting him to substation.



During his interrogation Ortiz mentioned a 4th victim and Gonzales said he was tasked to locate that scene and was able to find the body of Janelle Ortiz.

Court is now in lunch recess and jury expected back by 1:15pm.


link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT


I will grab the afternoon tweets tomorrow morning & post them.

 

[Niner]

for Tuesday, 11/29/22 - afternoon session.

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
12h
A matter will now be taken up without the presence of the jury.

The Juan David Ortiz trial has resumed. Noel Gonzales a former Webb County Sheriff's Office investigator is still on the stand as cross examination is set to begin.



The next witness is Webb Co. Sheriff Office custodian of evidence Roberto Castillo.



Castillo is now taking out the handgun and magazine that was found in Ortiz’s truck.

Another Webb Sheriff Office Deputy has taken the stand. He is talking about helping recovery evidence from three crime scenes.



This is deputy is being taken off the stand right now after several bench conferences with the judge. He could be recalled later.

Webb Co. Sheriff Office Capt. Federico Calderon is on the stand now. He was one of the lead investigators on this case.



Calderon will first be talking about the first crime scene where Melissa Ramirez’s body was found.

“We found her face down in the dirt clutching a bag of M&Ms with head trauma.” Calderon describes how Ramirez was found.

Photos of the crime scene are being shown. We will NOT be airing them due to their graphic nature.

Trial will resume tomorrow at around 8:30am.

link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, November 30th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 8:30am CT) - TX – Melissa Ramirez (29) (found off of Hwy 255, Sept. 4, 2018, Laredo), Claudine Anne Luera (42) (found alive but died later in hospital off of Hwy 255, Sept. 13, 2018, Laredo), Guiselda Alicia Hernandez Cantu aka “Jane Doe” (35) (found off of Hwy I35, Sept. 15, 2018, Laredo) & Nicky Enriquez aka Janelle Ortiz aka Humberto Ortiz aka “John Doe” (28) (found early Sept. 15, 2018 off Hwy I35, transgender woman, Laredo) & Erika Pena () (escaped his assault on Sept. 14, 2018) – *Juan David Ortiz (35/now 39) arrested & charged (9/15/18) & arraigned (1/10/19) with 4 counts of capital (Felony) murder, 1 count of 2nd degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 1 count of 3rd degree unlawful restraint & evading arrest detention (Class A misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $2.63M bond. Denied bond reduction (10/18/18 & 10/3/19). DA will not seek DP. Transferred from Webb County jail to Bexar County jail to stand trial in Bexar County (10/19/22).
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office said Ortiz (ex-Border Patrol agent) video confession to the slayings, revealing an anger at the local sex trade & saying he wanted to clean it up, vigilante-style.
Trial began on 10/21/22 with jury selection in San Antonio, Bexar County. Jury selected.
Trial began on 11/28/22. (~2 weeks).
Court hearings from 10/17/18 thru 10/17/22 & Jury Selection Day 1-5 (10/21 to 10/27/22) & Trial Day 1 (11/28/22) reference post #153 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lling-4-women-15-september-2018.390840/page-8
11/29/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: DPS Trooper John Bradshaw. Trooper Javier Obregon. Webb Co. Sheriff’s Office Investigator Noel Gonzales.
For more info see post #154 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
State witnesses: Investigator Noel Gonzales. Webb Co. Sheriff Office custodian of evidence Roberto Castillo. Webb Sheriff Office Deputy (no name). Webb Co. Sheriff Office Capt. Federico Calderon was one of the lead investigators on this case.
For more info see post #155 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
Trial continues on Wednesday, 11/30/22.

 

[Niner]

for Wednesday, 11/30/22 - morning session.

Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
2h
Day 3 is underway and testimony continues from Capt. Calderon who was one of the lead investigators.



Calderon said that at no time did Ortiz ask for an attorney after his Miranda rights were given. His interrogation started at about 3:21 am and ended at noon on Sept. 15,2018.

The interrogation video has just been admitted into evidence.

Court is on break as they are trying to locate a translator to help the jurors when the video is shown.

Testimony has resumed and Calderon is talking about how Ortiz was calm during his interrogation but at first was denying knowing Erika Peña.

The interrogation is now being shown.



On a break again because of audio problems. IT called in to help fix.



No tweets for about an hour. Guess they are still having problems.


link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT


As I did yesterday - I will post the afternoon tweets tomorrow morning.

 

[Niner]

Well - not many tweets for the afternoon session...



Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
12h
Court is back in session. Right now Capt. Calderon has been taken off the stand to hear another witness who needed to take the stand today b/c of a medical condition. David Neque is a custodian of records with the Webb Co. Sheriff's Office.

link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT


That's it...

 

[Niner]

Thursday, December 1st:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 8:30am CT) - TX – Melissa Ramirez (29) (found off of Hwy 255, Sept. 4, 2018, Laredo), Claudine Anne Luera (42) (found alive but died later in hospital off of Hwy 255, Sept. 13, 2018, Laredo), Guiselda Alicia Hernandez Cantu aka “Jane Doe” (35) (found off of Hwy I35, Sept. 15, 2018, Laredo) & Nicky Enriquez aka Janelle Ortiz aka Humberto Ortiz aka “John Doe” (28) (found early Sept. 15, 2018 off Hwy I35, transgender woman, Laredo) & Erika Pena () (escaped his assault on Sept. 14, 2018) – *Juan David Ortiz (35/now 39) arrested & charged (9/15/18) & arraigned (1/10/19) with 4 counts of capital (Felony) murder, 1 count of 2nd degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 1 count of 3rd degree unlawful restraint & evading arrest detention (Class A misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $2.63M bond. Denied bond reduction (10/18/18 & 10/3/19). DA will not seek DP. Transferred from Webb County jail to Bexar County jail to stand trial in Bexar County (10/19/22).
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office said Ortiz (ex-Border Patrol agent) video confession to the slayings, revealing an anger at the local sex trade & saying he wanted to clean it up, vigilante-style.
Trial began on 10/21/22 with jury selection in San Antonio, Bexar County. Jury selected.
Trial began on 11/28/22. (~2 weeks).
Court hearings from 10/17/18 thru 10/17/22 & Jury Selection Day 1-5 (10/21 to 10/27/22) & Trial Days 1-2 (11/28 to 11/29/22) reference post #156 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lling-4-women-15-september-2018.390840/page-8
11/30/22 Wednesday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Webb Co. Sheriff Office Capt. Federico Calderon was one of the lead investigators on this case back on stand. David Neque is a custodian of records with the Webb Co. Sheriff's Office.
For more info see posts #157 & 158 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...of-killing-4-women-15-sept-2018.390840/page-8
Trial continues on Thursday, 12/1/22.

 

[Niner]

for Thursday, 12/1/22 - morning session. Jury is still watching the interrogation video which is 10 hours long.


Erica Hernandez
@erica_KSAT
·
49m
We begin today with the continuation of the interrogation video. [Capt. Calderon back on stand]





link: https://twitter.com/erica_KSAT