Brandon Ortiz-Vite is being charged with murder and other crimes after the body of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia was discovered on U.S. 131 in downtown Grand Rapids and identified by investigators. (Mavi Garcia, Kent County Jail)
Ortiz-Vite, 25, "was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit on Aug. 31, 2020, and served a notice to appear. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) Sept. 24, 2020, and was removed to Mexico Sept. 29, 2020," a spokesperson for ICE told Fox News Digital. "At an unknown date and location Ortiz-Vite reentered the United States without inspection by an immigration official."
"On Mar. 24, 2024, ERO Detroit encountered Ortiz-Vite pursuant to him being arrested by the Michigan State Police and charged with murder and other crimes," the spokesperson added. "ERO Detroit lodged a detainer with the Kent County Jail for Ortiz-Vite."
First reported by The Midwesterner, a Michigan news outlet, authorities found Garcia's deceased body near the roadways of southbound U.S. 131 and Leonard Street with apparent gunshot wounds around 11:38 p.m. on Friday.
Though the murder charge has not been formally announced, a public information officer for the Michigan State Police confirmed to Fox News Digital that the charges — expected to be announced at a Tuesday evening press conference — are related to the death of Garcia.
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"She would brighten up the room with her beautiful smile and laugh," Mavi Garcia said of her sister, Ruby. "She loved to travel, was dedicated to her work and enjoyed being with her family on her free time." (Mavi Garcia)
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Asked by the outlet about Ortiz-Vite's relationship with Ruby, Mavi Garcia said at the time, "I prefer not to give out information on their relationship. … He is currently in custody. That’s all we know as of right now, and he is/was here illegally."
Kyle Morris covers politics for Fox News. Story tips can be sent via email and on X: @RealKyleMorris.
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