Colin
Brandon Ortiz-Vite faces one count each of homicide/open murder, carjacking, felony firearm, operating while intoxicated, driving on a suspended or revoked license
An illegal immigrant is awaiting arraignment on an open murder charge after he allegedly killed a young woman whose body was left on U.S. 131 in downtown Grand Rapids.
Michigan State Police continue to investigate the details that led to the body of a deceased female discovered on the roadway of southbound U.S. 131 and Leonard Street with apparent gunshot wounds around 11:38 p.m. on Friday.
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Investigators identified the victim as a 25-year-old female. Mavi Garcia told The Midwesterner the woman – her sister – is Ruby Garcia, “a great person all around.”
Mavi Garcia continued: “She would brighten up the room with her beautiful smile and laugh,” Garcia said. “She loved to travel, was dedicated to her work and enjoyed being with her family on her free time,” she said.
“She was a great daughter, sister, aunt and friend,” Garcia said. “She will be remembered as being full of life and laughter, those who were around her would know she was silly and made everyone laugh,” and added: “Her loss has impacted the lives of many people. Her life was taken too soon. She deserved to live life, travel the world, have kids and follow her dreams.”
Ruby’s family is raising funds for her funeral through a GoFundMe campaign that has generated 168 donations for $9,178 toward a $13,000 goal as of Monday afternoon.
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Garcia identified the suspect in the case on Facebook as Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25.
“He is currently a primary suspect possibly on the run to Mexico he is from Durango and Puebla,” a Saturday post read.
Michigan State Police would not release any information on the suspect, but did confirm the suspect is now in custody.
Kent County Jail records show Ortiz-Vite was booked in on March 24, and he’s expected to be arraigned within 48 hours – likely late Monday or Tuesday, officials said.
Ortiz-Vite faces one count each of homicide/open murder, carjacking, felony firearm, illegally carrying a concealed weapon, operating while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended or revoked license, records show.
“I prefer not to give out information on their relationship,” Garcia told The Midwesterner, referring to Ortiz-Vite and her sister. “He is currently in custody that’s all we know as of right now and he is/was here illegally.”
A State Police spokeswoman told The Midwesterner investigators hope to release more information about the case in the coming days.
In the meantime, Ruby’s family is reflecting on her life and their tragic loss, working to raise funds to put her to rest.
“She loved to travel … she had so many plans this year on traveling,” Garcia said. “I feel like her motivation in life were my mother and her nieces and nephews. She definitely was a strong person.”
“I can’t thank you all enough for the big help the Garcia family is receiving in these tough times,” Garcia posted to Facebook. “I just want to say take care of your loved ones. Please be united more as a family even when your world is falling. The only ones that are truly going to be there are your family members.
“Hope you guys tell your siblings and parents you love them,” she wrote.
