GARDEN CITY, Kansas (KSNW) — The rewards offered in the Garden City murders jumped another $10,000 Friday morning.
In September 2019, 69-year-old Ernie Ortiz was found fatally injured outside El Conquistador, a restaurant he owned for 39 years. Police believe he was shot during a robbery when he closed his shop for the night. he died in the hospital.
His relatives believe that someone has information that can unlock the case and close them. Became the first family to partner.
The family started a GoFundMe account through justice on Ernie Ortiz’s Facebook page. Last May’s compensation was about $11,000. On Friday, it reached $21,500 thanks to a $10,000 private donation.
Crime Stoppers will pay that amount for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ortiz’s murder.
Last year, Ortiz’s murder was named to Kansas’ Cold Case Trump program. Cards depicting unsolved murders have been distributed in Kansas prisons and prisons in hopes that inmates will be able to share information related to the case.
A man was arrested and charged early in the Ortiz case, but the Finney County attorney later dropped the charges.
Family members say Ortiz lived in Garden City all his life. He was a musician in many genres. A family spokesperson said Ortiz is the famous leader of Los Hermanos Ortiz y Amigos.
Family members say Ortiz was a respected businessman and community leader. Moreover, he devoted himself to his church, to his hometown, to the youth of Garden City.
“The role he played in the Ortiz family was unparalleled. He was often referred to as both a ‘favorite’ uncle and cousin. He will be dearly missed,” the spokesperson said. Told.
If you have information about a crime, please contact the Garden City Police Department at 620-276-1300. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 620-275-7807 or text a tip to Garden City PD, GCTIP, Tip411 (847411).