texas

DA: Border Agent May Have Used Service Handgun to Kill Women

Agent Juan David Ortiz was arrested Sept. 15 on several charges, including four counts of murder, and awaits trial

Prosecutors say crime scene evidence suggests a U.S. Border Patrol agent used his service handgun to kill four women whose bodies were found along remote roadsides in South Texas.

In a statement issued Thursday, District Attorney Isidro Alaniz says the .40-caliber shell casings found at all four scenes "are consistent with the agency issued handgun." However, Alaniz says scientific testing is needed to confirm such a match.

Border agent Juan David Ortiz was arrested Sept. 15 on several charges, including four counts of murder. He awaits trial in Webb County Jail in Laredo with bonds totaling $2.5 million.

A Border Patrol spokesman referred questions back to Alaniz. Messages left with Ortiz's attorney, Joey Tellez of Laredo, weren't returned.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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