Jordan Schmidt, a 32-year-old resident of Brawley, California, was found dead on December 15, 2021, near the intersection of Highway 78 and Hovley Road, north of Brawley. His body was discovered by a passing motorist who reported seeing a subject down with severe injuries. Upon arrival, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Schmidt had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Despite initial reports suggesting a gunshot wound to the face, it was later clarified that the injuries were concentrated on his upper body. The exact number of gunshot wounds was not disclosed by the authorities. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the precise cause of death, but the immediate cause was identified as multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Schmidt's death revealed that he had some local involvement and was known to the police. However, no immediate suspect information was available, and the case remained under investigation. The Sheriff's Office did not elaborate on any theories behind the shooting at that time.
In July 2022, significant progress was made in the case when Steven George Ambriz, a 34-year-old man from Brawley, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the alleged killing of Jordan Schmidt. Ambriz faced multiple charges, including special allegations for having two prior strikes, a gun enhancement allegation, and an enhancement for committing the murder during the commission of a kidnapping. Additionally, he was charged with kidnapping, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Ambriz had been in federal custody for an unrelated firearm offense when he was transferred to local authorities in connection with Schmidt's murder. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was held on $1 million bail.
The case against Ambriz included multiple leads that pointed to him as the suspect. The Imperial County District Attorney's Office reported that Ambriz was also facing charges in a separate criminal case for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, stemming from an unrelated incident. The investigation into Schmidt's murder continued as authorities worked to gather more evidence and build a case against Ambriz.
Jordan Schmidt's death left a significant impact on his family and the local community. He was remembered as a loving son, father, brother, and friend, with a vibrant personality and a wide circle of friends. His tragic death and the subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the area, prompting calls for justice and safety within the community.
