To Catch a Killer
Transcript of a chat with the writer and editor on the Star-Telegram's investigation of serial killer Andy Ortiz.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 50 of 102 (Page 1 of 3)Submitted by Marylinda from burleson,tx
Q: Did anyone help him in this journey that you know of? Is his brother locked up for the same reason? Good doc.. I didn't know Andy, but he was so close to my home..And is there a girl named Angela as a victim?
Answered 03/17/08 15:45:49 by Tim Madigan
A: Not that anyone is really aware. His brother is locked up over a shooting with a romantic rival. There is no link we're aware of to the victim named Angela. Thanks for writing.Submitted by Sanet from Fort Worth, Texas
Q: All this is really close to home. I lived right next door to Michael Olguin when we where growing up, and Andy, David, and Elton lived a few blocks down. I went to school with all of them at JP Elder. I never thought they would grow up to be that way. They seem like normal kids growing up, but I guess thats what happens when drugs gets involved in people life...it changes you. I have a cousin that has a son with David and I'm only glad to know that he is trying to be good. I'm not sure that he is involved with his son, but I sure do hope he son doesnt go thru that road. It saddens me to know they all have gone thru that road, but they had a choice they just chose the wrong one. Well to all who wrote this novel a job well done. Keep up the good work.
Answered 03/17/08 10:39:04 by Tim Madigan
A: thanks.Submitted by Mary from
Q: I too remember the girl Sylvia spoke about. I believe her name was Angela and she was found somewhere on or around Old Decatur Road. She too was barefoot like Krystal Minjares. Upon reading your story about Krystal I too thought of that same Girl being found around the same area. I don't remember the year it happened or her last name, but I do believe it was around the same time. I don't remember hearing anything about the police catching the person who did it. They may have but I cannot recall. Your story was very heartpounding, on the edge of your seat suspense. It was very well written and with great respect to the young girls he killed. I felt so deeply saddened by all of it. I have granddaughters and to know someone like that is so close to your neighborhood is paralizing. Well you just never know I guess. It seems that from reading all this that he was friendly to some and monsterous to others. I read that you were trying to raise awareness in the community with this story. But when you have trouble with gangmembers it is hard to rely on the police for protection. There are so many of them (gangmembers) and just one of you. They all know who you are but you do not know all of them. I can see why so many girls would not come forward until he was incarcerated. What can the police do about that? By the way, what happened to the cases with the girls who filed rape charges on him? Did they even have to go to court after the life sentences? Well I would also like to thank you for all your work on this story. The police officers involved in all this I pray for. It has to be hard to see things like that day in and out. They deserve so much thanks for all they do. I believe the best thing we can do for them is to keep them in our prayers daily.
Answered 03/13/08 11:32:39 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi Mary. Thanks so much for writing, and I agree it was a very sad case. As far as your questions, I think the police will double their efforts to penetrate the silence. The rape cases were never prosecuted, because Ortiz was put away for life.; Thanks again for reading and writing.Submitted by Victoria & Lana from Killeen, TX
Q: We just want to say thank you to Tim and his team for giving the victims a voice that cries out to the masses. If this story can reach even one young girl then it has served its ultimate purpose.
Answered 03/13/08 11:29:33 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks so much, Victoria. We greatly appreciate your trust.Submitted by Sylvia from Fort Worth, TX
Q: It's rumored that Andy Ortiz was killed in prison a couple of years ago. How recent was his interview? After seeing the documentary, I wonder if Ortiz might be responsible for the murder of a young Hispanic woman (20s) in north Fort Worth around the same time. She too had been strangled and left in a dark remote area off Old Decatur Road which isn’t too far from where Krystal Minjarez was found.
Answered 03/12/08 13:45:09 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi. Andy is still alive in prison. Do you have any more information on the other woman who was killed, her name and the year she was murdered. We'd be curious to know. Thanks for writing.Submitted by JESSICA from FORT WORTH TX
Q: I DONT HAVE A QUESTION I JUST WANT TELL Tim Madigan/Judy Wiley THAT THEY DID A WONDERFULL JOB POSTING THIS STORY. ITS GOOD TO KNOW SOMETIMES WHATS HAPPENED IN THE PAST SO THAT WE CAN ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THIS WORLD ISNT SAFE. SO THAT WE CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM CRIMINALS LIKE ANDY. THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY JUST AGAIN GREAT STORY. I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE DOCUMENTARY BUT YOU POSTED EVERYDAY A DETAILED STORY SO WHAT MORE CAN I ASK FOR.
Answered 03/12/08 13:43:44 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks so much, Jessica.Submitted by Cindy from Fort Worth
Q: Hi, am 27 yrs old. I want to say that the novel was great. But, I as upset with the documentay on the 9th of March. I guess because I expected a little more details and a longer show. I had almost half of the company reading the paper about this artical for the fact that it happened so close to home. Thank you so much.
Answered 03/12/08 11:02:11 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks so much, Cindy. Lots of folks wanted a longer show, but they had to go with the material they had. An hour would have stretched things too thin. Thanks again.Submitted by maggie from raleigh nc
Q: I am crious as to your purpose in writing this series. Although sensational it exposes the detectives, their families, describes where they live etc. Are you not putting them at risk? Perhaps another series would describe the stress, dangers and high incidence of divorce, and emotional problems amongst the law enforcement personnel
Answered 03/12/08 11:01:14 by Tim Madigan
A: The purpose, essentially, was to give our readers insight into the criminal justice system and the people who work in it. We were careful not to divulge the places where the detectives live, for the reasons you mention. I think the series also gave folks a better understanding of the stresses you refer to.Submitted by GRACIE ANTU from BEDFORD TEXAS
Q: I want to tell you all, that you did a great job, both my girls had contact with the ortiz brothers, in their junior high school years, but we never imagined he would do all this,yet my daughters also knew Krystal,and we were so saddened to hear all of what this man did, and glad that he was put away forever.And thanks to you all for bringing this out.Do you think that Krystals family is at peace now, even though he was never tried on her murder.
Answered 03/11/08 17:25:58 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks. As for your question, I can only hope.Submitted by JEANETTE from FORT WORTH
Q: Thank you for a great story! My only question is did they ever find out how Ortiz met Brenda Salazar?
Answered 03/11/08 15:18:10 by Judy Wiley
A: Yes, as the novel says, he told Tim in his interview that he met her at Desperados, where she told him she'd just gotten a job as a waitress. Thanks to everyone for writing, we're going to have to stop now. Thanks so much for your time.Submitted by Tami from Fort Worth
Q: It's sad that Mrs. Ortiz did'nt give her side of the story or interview. Did anyone ever speak to his parents about the photos found in their home? What was their excuse it seems that's all his family has is excuses
Answered 03/11/08 14:25:00 by Tim Madigan
A: The family wasn't talking, which is understandable. So a lot of questions remain unanswered.Submitted by sally from tx
Q: Do you think he had a bad childhood growing up?
Answered 03/11/08 14:24:28 by Tim Madigan
A: I don't know that anyone other than someone in the family can answer that. Something was definitely wrong, though.Submitted by Valeria from Fort Worth, TX
Q: I was amazed when I heard the story. My husband had been talking about it all week. It wasn't until we were watching the report on TV that I put two and two together. I lived right across the street from this family and knew all three brothers well. Elton is my age and the one I hung around the most. I guess I was lucky. I did know Andy and spoke to him. I have been inside their house and knew his mother. I was shoked and didn't know what to say while the story was reported. Thank you for bringing the whole story out. I am still in disbelief, but glad to hear that Elton is doing well. At least one of the three came out ok. It was tought family to be in.
Answered 03/11/08 14:23:47 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi. Actually, David is the one whose doing well. Elton is in prison himself. thanks for writing.Submitted by clark humphrey from ft. worth
Q: Do the police think their are more victims? What about you?
Answered 03/11/08 14:15:47 by Tim Madigan
A: Police think it's unlikely there are more victims, and I agree. I think it's most likely that they caught Ortiz at the beginning of what could have been a long spree.Submitted by Angela from Saginaw
Q: I am trying to read other comments/questions posted, but it will only let me tab back to page 3...is there any way to view the other pages?
Answered 03/11/08 14:14:56 by Tim Madigan
A: Wish I could help. Afraid that's out of my realm. I'll notify our tech people.Submitted by Bernice from San Antonio Tx
Q: I lived in the DFW area at that time and do not recall reading about this in the paper. My heart goes out to the families...My question is about Brenda Salazar and how she met Andy Ortiz. I know at a club, however had they known each other before that meeting and did she invite him over to her apt?
Answered 03/11/08 14:14:27 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi. No way of knowing, unfortunately.Submitted by adrianna from saginaw texas
Q: you mentioned more info on your website . what website is that?
Answered 03/11/08 14:13:54 by Tim Madigan
A: www.star-telegram.com. I looked for additional footage from the ortiz interview. Maybe I was incorrect in saying there was more.Submitted by Angel from Fort Worth
Q: In your defense (Fort Worth Star Telegram), Miss Annette Martinez(Chigago)this is reality sweety and by putting this local story out there as a local resident I find it very informative and an eye opener for all the young girls in todays society.I am a Fort Worth resident (born and raised)and there is not many people who do not know the Ortiz's.Maybe if you lived here and knew him you might have had a different opinion about this article, it was not published for entertainment,but for awareness.Someone I love could have been a victim, but was a survivor.So please let's not critisize the informed but appreciate the information.
Answered 03/11/08 14:12:35 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks Angel.Submitted by Alexis from NRH
Q: Do you think that Andy's brothers ever took part in any of these crimes with him? And where are his brothers now?
Answered 03/11/08 13:32:48 by Tim Madigan
A: No evidence that they did. Elton is in prison for life himself for murder. David is on the straight and narrow.Submitted by Kimberly from
Q: In the interview with Ortiz, I felt like he didn't want to admit any wrong doing because he still was trying to figure a way to get out. Far too many times before, he got off and maybe he still thinks there is hope as long as he doesn't confess. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Thank you for bringing this story to everyone. As a parent, it has made me much more aware of the dangers lurking around our children.
Answered 03/11/08 13:32:18 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks Kimberly. He might be looking for an angle to get out, but he's dreaming.Submitted by adrianna from fort worth tx
Q: since ortiz is considered a gang member in prison he should be in adminastrative segregation. is he? if so then he will never have any contact visit and will always be in a prison within a prison also will not be allowed no educational programs or any kind of programs. basically he will be in his cell 23 hours of each day and only let out 1 hour a day for rec if that since there is a big shortage on prison guards.but thats a whole other subject. just thought id share some insight.
Answered 03/11/08 13:26:02 by Tim Madigan
A: That's exactly right.Submitted by Angela Villarreal (G from Saginaw, Tx
Q: Hats off to you guys for such a breathtaking story. I too grew up on the North Side (in fact down the street from Hector O. on Belmont Ave.) The saying 'you never know who your neighbors are' is so true. This sick individual lived only minutes away from me and as matter of fact dated an old friend of mine. Yet I never would have imagined these things happening so close to home. Why was Andy’s complete interview not broadcasted? Is there any chance the ST will write the details about the interview? Again, great job and I hope there are more stories like this to come!!!
Answered 03/11/08 13:13:58 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks Angela. Time constraints prevented us from running Andy's complete interview, though more of it can be seen on our website.Submitted by Fred Ortiz from Fort Worth
Q: where can i buy the book? (by the way not related)
Answered 03/11/08 13:12:47 by Judy Wiley
A: No plans to publish a book, but there has been some discussion along those lings. Stay tuned.Submitted by elisa from fort worth
Q: where is here at now and does he show any sadness about the girls he has killed. Because my younger sisters and i used to hang around with them and he never showed that he was mean to us, but then again this was back in 1991.What i would like to know is his address.
Answered 03/11/08 13:12:22 by Judy Wiley
A: He is in prison.Submitted by Edilia Hernandez from Montgomery, TX
Q: I have been reading the chapters on "To catch a killer" on the internet every day. I want to see the documentary but I get the Houston channels. Will it be shown on the internet? My sister says she used to mess around with him, said she met him while walking to the mall and he asked her for her phone number. Her number was probably 1 of many found in his room. She said he was nice to her alone but when around his friends he was mean.
Answered 03/11/08 13:12:03 by Judy Wiley
A: Hi Edilia. Your best bet will be to watch the video on our website. Thanks for writing.Submitted by Hector Oviedo from Fort Worth, Texas
Q: Is there any more updated pictures of him other than the one that is showed from 1991? Maybe mugshots after his first arrest,second, or last arrest?
Answered 03/11/08 13:11:39 by Tim Madigan
A: The most recent photographs we have of Andy are from 2000. Thanks for writing.Submitted by Jo from N. Richland Hills
Q: Thank you so much for the time, research, and emotional energy that went into this project. If it saves one life or spares any family the pain these poor families are enduring, it will be well worth your while. I have reared two daughters myself, and it is a parent's worst nightmare. I can't begin to imagine the horror and grief these people have gone through. One question: The police found IDs of several girls in Ortiz's room. Did they follow up with those? Are the girls all right? Thanks again for excellent research and writing. You definitely impacted your readers--this kind of tragedy affects all of us.
Answered 03/11/08 13:11:08 by Tim Madigan
A: Chapter 16 lists many of the women police were able to contacted. There were more than 100 photos, phone numbers, etc. and they were not able to reach them all. Thank you for reading and taking the time to write us today.Submitted by Robert from Ft Worth
Q: I have to say I read the newspaper all the time, and this was a very captivating series. I discuss it each day with my co-workes, had this story been in a book I would have never read it so I commend you all for doing it in this format. I feel that the ball was dropped by FWPD,and the Crime Lab. I also, feel that "Ann" and her parents and Armida Garcia's parents should not have withheld important information about Andy being in that alley. Detective Thorton should have known better than to let Andy speak to his mother when he was interrogating him, knowing her hatred and distrust of police. It is easy for me to say this after the fact but those things really bothered me while reading this story. I feel the prosecutors hands were tied with the evidence they had and knowing the double jepoardy would come in to play they declined to take the case. These offices (FWPD, DA office, and Crime Lab) must learn to work together and have a process in place so things like this don't happen again. Bickering back and forth like kids while kids are being killed.
Answered 03/11/08 13:09:34 by Judy Wiley
A: Thanks, RobertSubmitted by Laurie Still from Arlington
Q: thanks so much. I have never looked forward to recieving my Star-Telegram as I have with this series. As you can see, it also got me to seeking out the story on line. Great job! and we can all rest easier that Andy is in jail for such a long time. My sympathies go out to the families of the murdered girls. Thanks for the most anticipated, edge-of-your-seat reading ever. Laurie
Answered 03/11/08 13:07:10 by Judy Wiley
A: Thanks for writing.Submitted by Annette Martinez from Chicago,Il.
Q: I hope that one day you realize how many people you have hurt, in making this true story into entertainment. What a shame to both of you and to all of your exploitive time!!!
Answered 03/11/08 13:06:49 by Judy Wiley
A: We certainly understand your sentiments, and have wrestled with those issues ourselves all through this long process. However, we have also heard many many times, in many different ways, that the series has made a positive difference in the lives of our readers. Particularly, we have heard from parents of young girls who said they have talked with their children about the dangers that lurk out there. We also feel there is great value in giving an inside look at our criminal justice system and the people who work in it. Like I said, we wrestled with notions of exploitation long and hard, and don't for a second minimize the pain that it might have caused. But even some of the family members of the victims so hurt when the series first came out, later expressed gratitude about learning things about Ortiz and this case that they did not know before.Submitted by Brenda Clark from Ft Worth TX
Q: Did Ortiz's mother ever express remorse about her son's behavior? She should have been charged as an accessory after failing to see the truth about this monster. His parents are the worst kind of enablers.
Answered 03/11/08 13:05:11 by Tim Madigan
A: Stella Ortiz believes, or at least says publicly, that her son is innocent. I think police believe as you do that if Andy's parents had stepped in and done things differently, some of this might have been avoided.Submitted by adrianna cardona from fort worth tx
Q: well i dont have a question but just wanted to thank you for a job well done. i kept up with the novel all month long. this novel really hit home.you see in middle school me and armida garcia were friends so i guess thats why this novel is so different then all the others i have read. i reaally didnt know alot of the things that went on at that time. very interesting read. thank you
Answered 03/11/08 13:04:54 by Judy Wiley
A: Thank you for reading, and for taking the time to write us.Submitted by ken baker from boyd,tx.
Q: i think this has been a very interesting story to read-you all have done a wonderful job.i am wondering why andy ortiz parents did not want to comment on this story and what happened to the other brother's who were part of the gang culture? Thanks,Ken Baker
Answered 03/11/08 13:03:55 by Tim Madigan
A: Thanks, Ken. I can understand why the parents would not want to comment, though. I mean, what could they say? As far as the other brothers: One is in prison for murder himself, the other on the straight and narrow.Submitted by Yolanda Trevino from Mansfield, Texas
Q: I commend you for taking interest and letting all the public know about what happened to these young girls. First of all, I want to say how sorry I am to the families of these girls. No parent should have to experience the death of child to such violent acts. I spoke with family members, fellow employees and other known people and I was told that they had not heard about these killings or about a serial killer being on the loose. My question: I WANT KNOW WHY IT WAS NOT WIDELY PUBLICIZED IN THE METROPLEX ABOUT A SERIAL KILLER BEING ON THE LOOSE AT THAT TIME!
Answered 03/11/08 13:02:55 by Tim Madigan
A: Police are always very careful about announcing a serial killer is suspected, because (among other things) it can be counterproductive to create public hysteria. In these particular cases the murders were not tied together quickly enough to suspect serial killings.Submitted by KRISTINA MARTINEZ from FORT WORTH TX
Q: HELLO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS STORY!! IN THE SUMMER OF 2000.WHEN ANDY ORTIZ GOT OUT THE FIRST TIME HE CAME OVER TO OUR APT.IN LAKE WORTH FOR A COOK OUT WITH MY HUSBAND AND FRIENDS. AT THAT TIME HE CLAIMED HIS INOSENCE BUT I KNOW WE WERE AT THE SWIMMING POOL AND HE LOOKED AT THE LITTLE GIRLS THERE WHICH NOW TURNS MY STOMACH.WE JUST PRAY AND HOPE HE DID NOT MESS WITH THEM!!
Answered 03/11/08 13:01:43 by Tim Madigan
A: That's a little scary. We share your concerns and hopes. Thanks for writing.Submitted by Rachel Swett from Fort Worth, Texas
Q: When the girl from Crowley went missing and eventually the friend said something to the nature of she (missing girl) had paged someone. Could police not do a trace on the Aunt's phone line as to what number was dialed? Even when the predator called back to the young girl. Why didn't anyone check on that?.
Answered 03/11/08 13:01:03 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi Rachel. What you suggest sounds plausible. I don't know if police did that or not. It was not something we talked about. Thanks for reading and writing.Submitted by adrianna from saginaw texas
Q: tim and judy did ya'll expect this much of a response on this novel? its seem like you are somewhat surprised by all the attention this novel received. these are things i read about in other parts of the states. never had i read a novel that happened in my own neighborhood.
Answered 03/11/08 13:00:08 by Tim Madigan
A: For my part: I naturally hoped it would reach a lot of people, but yes, I am a little surprised (and happy) at the size of the response -- particularly in a time when fewer people are taking time to read ANYTHING long.Submitted by Claudia from Fort Worth, TX
Q: I grew up in the north side area during that time and maybe that's why I felt a strong impact from this story. I would first like to express my gratitude for all the hard work that you all did in this re-opening of the investigation. Although some years have passed since the killings, these victims deserve a fair chance at the retelling of what really happened to them. One of the things that I was disappointed with was that he was never charged with the 3rd victim's murder. I understand that he will most likely never get out of prison, but I believe that the 3rd victim deserved a fair trial and to see her murderer be sentenced for her murder as well.
Answered 03/11/08 12:59:07 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi Claudia. I understand your feeling about the third victim. But I also understand the prosecutor's point. It would serve no real purpose to tack on another life sentence when there is no possibility of him ever getting out. Thanks again for reading and writing.Submitted by Gabriela from Fort Worth, Tx
Q: As I was reading the series to this novel I would also have the question on my mind "Is there other victims?" Is there any cold cases in Fort Worth of young women that fit somewhat the description of Andy's victims? If so, well his DNA or finger print ever be ran in those cases? Everyone involved in the investigation of this case did an execellent job. And thank you for taken this kind of person of the streets.
Answered 03/11/08 12:56:27 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi Gabriela. Thanks so much. As I said earlier, Ortiz' DNA and prints have been compared against evidence in other cold cases. No matches.Submitted by David Miller from Burleson texas
Q: Kieth Price was the warden out at Clements until I moved here from Amarillo. He was an assistant Scout Master at Paramount Baptist Church and was a strict person who was reprimanded several times for getting physical with the prisoners. Now, If ortiz is confined for gang affiliation, then what would happen to him as a convicted pedophile/murderer in the general poplulation? If keith is still there as the warden, were you able to interview him? FYI the warden's house is on Folsom Rd, which you took to get to Clements unit. David Miller Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary student Thomson Tax and Accounting R&G 801 S. Cherry St. 888-825-4934
Answered 03/11/08 12:55:22 by Tim Madigan
A: Hi David. Thanks for writing. I did not come across Keith at the Clements Unit.Submitted by sally from fort worth, tx
Q: why is everyone so afraid in this story to give their real names if the fort worth PD will protect them? Who are they afraid of now that Andy is in prison?
Answered 03/11/08 12:53:45 by Judy Wiley
A: People had varied reasons. A common reason is that while Andy and Elton are in prison, others associated with them are not.Submitted by Veronica from Fort Worth, TX
Q: First of all thank you for bringing this story out of the file cabinets because even though it happened years ago, these types of nightmares reoccur. I ask myself, what type of society, people or parents raise and harbor a person like Ortiz? This has hit close to home because I was a teenager in this city when Salazar and Armida's tragedies took place. I am a teacher now in the north side area and I couldn't imagine such a thing occuring to one of my students in the future. As an educator,I see many troubled kids even in the elementary school level who need severe intervention because they are out of control towards an unlawful path. These kids grow up to be teenagers and adults who can very well turn out like Andy Ortiz. Ortiz was a child and teenager once and the signs were there. A severe government intervention of some sort at an early stage might somehow alter and stop these individuals from becoming a menace to society. I'm tired of seeing and reading about similar situations in our inner city neighborhoods. When are we going to stop saying, "That's not our problem. Those types of things only happen to those type of people." You know what, it is our problem because it is happening in our own backyard. If we don't invest in quality education for our inner city kids, then these types of tragedies will keep on reocurring and only spreading. Thank you for bringing this out into the light and into our conscience. Hopefully more of us can become activists. Now for my question. What is the crimal justice department doing to make sure individuals like Andy Ortiz stop slipping thorugh the cracks like he did for so many years? There were so many flaws in these cases but no real explanations. Would this have happened in a suburban neighborhood?
Answered 03/11/08 12:51:00 by Judy Wiley
A: Hi Veronica. I couldn't agree more with your sentiments. We must ensure that all kids in our society have the same access to quality education. I applaud you for your life's work. To answer your question, we can only hope that series like our cause some reflection among those who can make changes. The system will never be perfect, but all agree it can be better. Your last question is a difficult one. But I do know, after having gotten to know the law enforcement types in this case, they are deeply dedicated to their jobs, and the race or socio economic status of the victims played no role in how they did them. As you said, I think this is a broader societal issue.Submitted by sally from tx
Q: Do you think this has bought harm to the Ortiz family?
Answered 03/11/08 12:50:21 by Tim Madigan
A: I don't know. It must have been very difficult to read.Submitted by Tami from Fort Worth
Q: First my heart goes out the Families, who once again have relive the pain. My question is You wrote that The finger print found on Brenda's Car was not ran the first time correct? What changes were made at Medical Examier's Office?
Answered 03/11/08 12:49:51 by Tim Madigan
A: Loyd Cortney, the fingerprint expert, later insisted that the print had been run through the database, but had not been of sufficient quality for a match. That remains a matter of some debate. Cortney himself is deceased. There have been major changes made in recent year in the Fort Worth crime lab for reasons not really related to this case.Submitted by Robert from
Q: Does Ortiz mother ( Stella ) vist her son in prision ? Also, is Andy Ortiz allowed to smoke and watch tv in prision ?
Answered 03/11/08 12:49:16 by Judy Wiley
A: As far as I know, smoking is not permitted in any Texas prisons.Submitted by rey from fort worth
Q: what became of his friend michael,whom he blamed ? Think he holds a grudge for such a blatant lie about him leaving with krystal that night? thanks.
Answered 03/11/08 12:48:14 by Tim Madigan
A: I heard from one of Michael's relatives the other day. He had been serving time in prison on an unrelated charge and hopes to get out again this year. His family has strong hopes that he can turn his life around. When I talked to Michael in prison several months ago, he was still outraged that Ortiz had tried to rat him out that way.Submitted by richard from fort worth
Q: If further evidence is discovered on any other unknown killings by this animal, will the death penalty be sought for the new crime(s)?
Answered 03/11/08 12:46:52 by Tim Madigan
A: My guess is that if Ortiz is connected with any other case, and there is sufficient evidence, prosecutors would eagerly seek the death penalty. As prosecutor Alan Levy said, Ortiz still remains vulnerable to the Krystal Minjarez case should any further evidence come to light.Submitted by Eren Salazar from TX
Q: Where you surprised that Andy was not willing to confess? I guess my hopes were too high. I was hoping that he would confess. I was hoping that if he did that our family can finally have some closure. This man brought our family a lot of pain. However, we are and have remained a strong family. Brenda will not be forgotten she will always live in our memories, our dreams, and will always remain in our hearts.
Answered 03/11/08 12:45:32 by Tim Madigan
A: I hope your family does find closure. Thank you for letting us share some of her life -- her hopes and dreams -- with others. Though it has not been easy for you, your family's openness might save another young woman from danger one day.Submitted by Sally from tx
Q: During the interviews did ya'll ever talk to any of Andy's extended family?
Answered 03/11/08 12:43:32 by Tim Madigan
A: No. I tried reaching some extended family members, but without success.Submitted by Melissa from TX
Q: Alot of people in the Fort Worth area knew Andy Ortiz, girls and guys. Especially on the gang scene. There where more Andy's out there and still are. To bad that most parents are not aware of what their teenagers are doing and almost don't care. They are too wrapped up in their own drama. I remember being a young girl in the West Side of Fort Worth and hanging out with Andy and Elton. My mom even dropped me off at their house. This was in 1990 or 1991 and I was about 11 or 12 yrs old. For some reason these boys went to school at Stripling Middle School on the West Side. Their mom always acted like it was the girls and guys they hung out with trying to get her sons to do wrong. At some point you have to take responsibility for your actions. I guess Andy is even though he doesn't want to admit it.
Answered 03/11/08 12:42:56 by Tim Madigan
A: As I've said several times before in this chat, one of the things we feel best about is raising awareness, particulary for young girls and there parents. Unfortunately, there are other Andy Ortiz types out there. Thanks for writing, Melissa.
