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Murder Trial Begins for Man Accused of Deadly Stabbing

by KREX News Room
by Meaghan Wallace

Story Created: Mar 7, 2013 at 1:44 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2013 at 1:44 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. The murder trial is underway for a Mesa County resident believed to be involved in the stabbing death of a Fruita man.

Thursday prosecutors began laying out their case against 30-year-old Julio Ortiz. Ortiz is charged with the first-degree murder of Abel Roper, following an altercation at Cruiser's bar.

The district attorney's office told the jury that Ortiz and the victim were involved in a fight over a woman.

Prosecutors say Ortiz, his brother Jose and Tim Hanson followed Roper and assaulted and murdered him next to his truck in Pioneer Village.

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

The trial continues Thursday afternoon with statements from the defense.

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