In Bexar County, Texas, Juan David Ortiz—a former Border Patrol officer—is standing trial for the rape and murder of four sex workers. The trial was moved from Laredo as the murders took place in Webb County.
Former Border Patrol Officer Juan David Ortiz Stands Trial for the Murder of 4 Sex Workers in Texas
Ortiz was a CBP agent during the time of the rape and murders in September 2018. The prosecution stated that Ortiz was known by his victims and this was backed up one sex worker who said that he was a regular who took her buy drugs before they had sex.
A friend of this witness was 29-year-old Melissa Ramirez, the first victim on September 3 in Laredo. Ten days later, he shot Claudine Anne Luera, aged 42. The last two murders—also gunshots—occurred on September 15 involved 35-year-old Guiselda Alicia Hernandez and 28-year-old Janelle Ortiz.
The four women worked a stroll on San Bernardo Avenue. Ortiz apparently knew that the walls would close in and began saying his farewells to friends and family on Facebook before stocking up for a showdown with the police.
While witness testimony filled in some parts of this serial killer’s actions, the video interview from his capture filled in his background and how he got to this point. Ortiz blames exiting the Navy and dealing with PTSD.
While working as a supervisor with CBP, Juan David Ortiz was began dealing with his PTSD via Veterans Affairs. This resulted in him being prescribed medication for depression and anxiety. In addition, he took sleeping aids and drank beer with his medications.
This proved to be an issue in court as parts of the video were in Spanish and Webb County Sheriff’s Office Captain Federico Calderon translated. As he was speaking over the video, it could be hard to follow and the jurors weren’t taking to the translation as even one fell asleep.
Prosecutors rotated Calderon out and went with another Webb County Sheriff’s deputy David Nengue to testify. Nengue was originally pushed back due to a medical condition.
If convicted of the murders, Juan David Ortiz faces life in parole as the death penalty was pulled after prosecutors talked with the families of the victims.
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