On a cold December evening in Twin Falls, Idaho, the life of a beloved husband, father, and businessman was cut tragically short. Jesse Ortiz, a 36-year-old Hispanic male, was fatally shot on December 1, 2023, in a brazen act of violence at his own business, The Tint Shop. The incident, which also claimed the life of his employee, 26-year-old Jaime Bravo, sent shockwaves through the close-knit community.
The attack occurred at approximately 8:19 p.m.
when police were dispatched to the Kimberly Road establishment after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of Ortiz and Bravo, both having sustained fatal injuries. Investigators quickly determined it was a double homicide and launched an intensive search for the perpetrators. The Twin Falls Police Department released images and video footage of two male suspects, urging the public for assistance in identifying them. One of the suspects was believed to go by the nickname "El Guero," and both were described as armed and dangerous.
Jesse Ortiz was remembered as a vibrant and hardworking man, a "Force of Nature" who was deeply devoted to his family and community. An obituary described him as a loving husband to his wife, Kristi, and a dedicated father to their four children. Together, Jesse and Kristi had built their business from the ground up, and he was known for his friendly and welcoming nature towards every customer. His sudden death left his family and friends heartbroken and the community in a state of shock and grief.
A significant breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of Angelica M. Martinez. According to court documents, Martinez admitted to being the driver for the two men who carried out the shooting. In December 2023, she was sentenced for her role in the double homicide, receiving a prison sentence for felony accessory to murder and concealing a felon. Despite this development, the two men directly responsible for the murders of Jesse Ortiz and Jaime Bravo remained at large at the time of her sentencing. The investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing as the community continues to seek justice for the two lives lost.
