Brothers now receive life sentences for murder in Perris store, convicted of first-degree murder and other related charges.
In a tragic case that underscores the consequences of violent crime, two brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for their involvement in a robbery that resulted in the murder of a 25-year-old man.
The sentencing took place on Friday at the Riverside Hall of Justice, marking a significant moment in the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
The Defendants and Their Convictions
Edgar Sanchez Ortega, 26, and Bryan Ortega, 21, both residents of Perris, faced severe legal repercussions after being convicted in October of multiple charges.
These include first-degree murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and the special-circumstance allegation of killing during the commission of a robbery.
Bryan Ortega was also found guilty of additional allegations related to the use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury during the crime.
Details of the Crime Spree
According to a trial brief submitted by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, the brothers embarked on a robbery spree in the early hours of November 26, 2021.
Their criminal activities began shortly after 1 a.m. when they spotted a man walking through a field on Wells Street in Perris.
Bryan Ortega exited their four-door sedan and approached the victim, intimidating him by shouting, “What’s up, homie?”
The victim, referred to in court documents only as “M.F.,” recounted a harrowing experience to sheriff’s investigators.
He described feeling paralyzed with fear when Bryan Ortega brandished a 9mm handgun, racked the slide, and pressed the barrel against his head.
In a chilling exchange, Bryan demanded that M.F. strip off his clothes.
When M.F. hesitated, Bryan struck him with the gun and reiterated the threat, stating, “Get naked. I’m for real. I’ll kill you.”
Complying under duress, M.F. was further assaulted as Bryan pistol-whipped him before stealing his clothes and mobile phone, which functioned as a wallet, before fleeing the scene with his brother.
Escalation of Violence
The brothers’ crime spree escalated just 20 minutes later when they arrived at an am/pm convenience store and gas station on Perris Boulevard.
While in Edgar’s vehicle, the brothers reportedly inhaled drugs or vapors from balloons.
Their next target appeared when George Torres pulled into the parking lot with a friend, identified only as “J.N.”
After J.N. entered the store to buy cigarettes, Edgar Ortega positioned their sedan adjacent to Torres’s Honda.
Upon J.N.’s return to the vehicle, Bryan Ortega emerged with his handgun drawn, demanding, “Give me everything you got.”
While J.N. complied by handing over his cigarettes and cash, Torres refused to give up his belongings.
In response, Ortega escalated the situation by demanding Torres’s sunglasses.
A Fatal Confrontation
In a shocking turn of events, Torres, feeling threatened, retrieved a hidden pistol from his Honda and fired at Bryan Ortega.
The situation quickly deteriorated as Bryan retaliated by shooting into the vehicle multiple times.
Tragically, Torres was struck by several bullets and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while J.N. miraculously escaped unharmed.
Witnesses promptly contacted emergency services as the brothers fled the scene.
Swift Justice
In the aftermath, detectives from the Central Homicide Unit reviewed security camera footage from the convenience store and quickly identified the Ortega brothers as the perpetrators.
Their connection to the earlier assault on M.F. further solidified the case against them.
Law enforcement apprehended the brothers later that day at a hotel in Santa Ana without incident.
Check in daily for more Local News.
Also Read: Death Toll in The LA Fires Now Rises To 24
Back to Daily Market News
About The Author
Leave your thoughts below
Read Daily Market News – https://franknez.com/ for more news and updates like this