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Julio Ortiz Found Guilty of Abel Roper's Murder

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Mar 16, 2013 at 2:56 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 16, 2013 at 3:00 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Julio Ortiz has been found guilty on all counts against him in the death of Fruita resident Abel Roper.

Ortiz, 30, was convicted Friday night of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit tampering with physical evidence.

A Mesa County jury came back with their decision after the prosecution and defense rested in the murder trial that began March 7.

Prosecutors say Ortiz assaulted and stabbed Roper to death near his truck at Pioneer Village in Clifton after an altercation and high-speed chase from Cruisers Bar on Horizon Drive March 1, 2012.

Arrest affidavits say Julio's brother, Jose, and Roper were kicked out of the bar for fighting over a girl. Julio and Jose, along with friend Timothy Hanson, were then driving home when their vehicle was struck, authorities believe by Roper's truck.

After pursuing Roper to the trailer park in Clifton, prosecutors say Julio and Jose both had a hand in killing him.

Roper was stabbed 13 times. Jose has testified that he did not have a knife.

Jose Ortiz is also charged with first-degree murder and has yet to stand trial in his criminal case.

Prosecutors say Hanson will also face criminal charges.

Julio Ortiz is set for sentencing April 12.

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anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 17 at 3:08 PM

Servers him right I hope they give him and his brother the death penalty and they wait on death row for 20 years cause they don't deserve a quick death

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 16 at 11:55 PM

krex reads the newspaper well

Meat Manager said on Saturday, Mar 16 at 6:09 PM

Here Fishy, Fishy!

Lori c said on Saturday, Mar 16 at 3:17 PM

I hope they don't repeal the death penalty here in Colorado

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 16 at 3:16 PM

how would krex know? They weren't there.

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