In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a previously deported illegal alien from Mexico, will stand trial for the alleged execution-style murder of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia. Ortiz-Vite, also 25, faces multiple charges, including felony murder, open murder, carjacking, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony possession of a firearm.
A judge confirmed on Wednesday that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the trial. According to the prosecution, Ortiz-Vite and Garcia were in a relationship at the time of her death. Prosecutors allege that on March 22, Ortiz-Vite made Garcia pull over while they were in her car on U.S. Highway 131. He then allegedly shot her four times — twice in the head, once in the arm, and once in the hand.
Garcia’s body was found on the side of the highway. On March 24, Ortiz-Vite called authorities to turn himself in, reportedly admitting to the crime. “I am calling because I want to turn myself in [for] a murder I committed two nights ago,” Ortiz-Vite allegedly said to dispatchers. “I know what I did was wrong and I will do the time, I just don’t want to die inside.”
Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Ortiz-Vite had been deported to Mexico in 2020. In addition to the current charges, Ortiz-Vite had a bench warrant issued in 2020 for failing to appear in court on drunk driving and driving with a suspended license charges. His criminal record includes incidents from 2017 and 2018 as well.
Ortiz-Vite remains in the Kent County Correctional Facility without bail and is facing a possible life sentence without parole. The trial date has not yet been set.