Trial of Border Patrol agent Juan David Ortiz, accused of killing prostitutes, starts in Texas

Juan David Ortiz (proper) is on trial for allegedly killing 4 prostitues.
AP

The trial of a US Border Patrol agent turned alleged killer started in Texas Monday — with Juan David Ortiz dealing with prices of murdering 4 prostitutes and trying to kill a fifth.

The murders came about within the Texas border metropolis of Laredo in 2018. Prosecutors say the previous Border Intelligence Supervisor admitted happening a 12-day killing spree in September of that 12 months, in response to an arrest affidavit.

Ortiz supplied a “voluntary verbal confession” he shot and killed the 4 ladies, the affidavit reads. Ortiz can also be accused of dumping his sufferer’s our bodies in rural areas outdoors Laredo.

Prosecutors declare Ortiz informed investigators he was “doing a service” by killing the ladies and that he didn’t assume regulation enforcement was doing sufficient to curb prostitution.

Erika Pena testified that Juan David Ortiz threatened her with a gun, however she managed to get away.

AP

On the primary day of the trial, a fifth sufferer testified Ortiz had tried to kill her however she escaped. Erika Pena, who admitted to sleeping with males to assist her drug behavior, informed the jury Ortiz picked her up on the road on Sept. 14, 2018 and took her to his home, whereas his spouse and children had been out of city.

Whereas using in his pick-up truck, Ortiz threatened her with a gun, she testified.

When she tried to get out of his truck, he tried to cease her, ripping her shirt within the course of and leaving her to run topless to a near-by fuel station the place she requested a state trooper for assist.

Ortiz’s protection group fired again throughout their opening statements, claiming the disgraced agent’s confession was pressured.

The 39-year-old can also be accused of killing Guiselda Alicia Hernandez, 35; Claudine Anne Luera, 42; Melissa Ramirez, 29; and Nikki Enriquez, 28, a transgender lady.

Though Ortiz faces capital homicide prices which might make him eligible for the loss of life penalty, prosecutors should not looking for it on the request of the sufferer’s households, in response to the San Antonio Categorical Information.

A Texas prosecutor holds up a photograph of considered one of Ortiz’s alleged victims on day 1 of his trial in San Antonio, Texas.

AP

“The households unanimously voted and requested that I take away the loss of life penalty and search life with out parole,” Webb County District Legal professional Isidro Alaniz, the lead prosecutor, informed the paper.

“As one member of the family said, ‘Getting the loss of life penalty could be letting him off simple.’ Consequently, I granted their request and made the change in punishment.”

The killings obtained intense media consideration in South Texas. Earlier this 12 months, a choose granted a change of venue from the Laredo space to the San Antonio space to make sure an imparial jury. The trial is anticipated to be two weeks lengthy and continues Tuesday.