GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The man accused of killing his girlfriend and dumping her body on the side of a busy Grand Rapids freeway took a plea deal offered by the prosecutor.
Brandon Ortiz-Vite pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, carjacking, illegal carrying of a concealed weapon, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The 25-year-old was the prime suspect in the death of Ruby Garcia.
Garcia's body was found late in the night on March 22. Investigators later determined Ortiz-Vite had shot Garcia multiple times while the two were in the car together. Ortiz-Vite then dumped her body on the side of US-131 near Leonard Avenue, shooting her one more time before driving off, police say.
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Two days later, Ortiz-Vite called 911 to surrender to police.
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Despite admitting to detectives that he killed Garcia, Ortiz-Vite initially pleaded not guilty.
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The case gained national attention when Ortiz-Vite's legal status came to light. He had been deported to Mexico in 2020, but illegally returned to the U.S.
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As part of the deal, the prosecutor's office is recommending a range of 32 to 39 years in prison.
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