On the night of April 27, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Winston-Salem police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1300 block of North Liberty Street. While en route, they were alerted to a vehicle collision at the intersection of East Fourteenth Street and Highland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a car that had crashed into a utility pole. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Miguel Tomas Ortiz, was found deceased inside the vehicle.
Investigations revealed that Ortiz had been shot while driving near the intersection of Fourteenth Street and North Liberty Street. After being wounded, he attempted to flee the scene but lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the fatal crash into the utility pole.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with Ortiz's death. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward. This case marked the city's 20th homicide of 2023, reflecting a concerning increase in violent crimes compared to the same period in the previous year.
Miguel Ortiz was a well-known tattoo artist in Winston-Salem, owning and operating his own shop. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Miguel Tomas Ortiz and Lorena Patricia Arrivillaga. He is survived by his children, Jayliciah Milani, Lujian Miguel, and Idalys Luz, as well as several siblings and extended family members. A funeral service celebrating his life was held on May 12, 2023, at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel, followed by interment at Mount Gur Cemetery in Kernersville, North Carolina.
The community remembers Ortiz not only for his artistic talents but also for his dedication to his family and his passion for art from a young age. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Friends, family, and clients have expressed their condolences and shared memories, highlighting the positive impact he had on those around him.
Authorities continue to seek leads in the case, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in bringing those responsible to justice. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or Crime Stoppers. As the investigation remains active, the hope for closure persists among Ortiz's family and the broader community.
