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(FOX40.COM) — Four years after a brutal murder in San Joaquin County, a jury came to a guilty verdict, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
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On Friday, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that a jury convicted James Victor Ortega of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, auto theft, battery, and felony evading for a violent crime spree that began on September 24, 2021.
On the evening of Sept. 24, 2021, Ortega assaulted a man near El Dorado Street and Harding Way before breaking into the East Rose Street residence of the murder victim, according to the DA. Surveillance video captured Ortega attacking the victim with a shovel before stabbing him multiple times.
Ortega then fled the scene, stole a FedEx delivery truck, and led law enforcement on a pursuit through the city before being apprehended in the Morada Lane area.
“This was a senseless and brutal crime that devastated a family and rattled our community,” Freitas said. “Today’s conviction delivers justice for the victim and sends a clear message – violence of this nature will be met with the full force of the law.”
Freitas also acknowledged law enforcement, advocates, and a person who was there for the victim before death.
“I especially want to recognize the Good Samaritan nurse who came forward in the victim’s final moments, not only giving him compassion and dignity, but also guiding first responders with her medical expertise,” Freitas said. “Her selflessness reflects the very best of our community.”
Ortega is scheduled to be sentenced at 9 a.m. on Oct. 27 in Judge Villapudua’s courtroom.
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Veronica Catlin
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