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Murder Trial Continues for Death of Fruita Man

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Mar 12, 2013 at 9:15 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 9:51 PM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo. A murder trial continues for a Mesa County man believed to be involved in the stabbing death of a Fruita man. Thirty-year-old Julio Ortiz is charged with first-degree murder of Abel Roper, following an altercation at Cruiser's Bar.

On Tuesday Mesa County Sheriff's Office investigator Mike Piechota took the stand, he was one of the investigators called to the scene after the crime took place.

Piechota narrated events that played out that early morning, through surveillance videos collected by authorities.

The District Attorney's office has told the jury that Ortiz and the victim were involved in a fight over a woman.

Prosecutors accuse Ortiz of developing a rage and the murder happened because of vengeance and retaliation.

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