In the early morning hours, a tragic chain of events unfolded in north Phoenix, culminating in the death of 19-year-old Oscar Ortega. After leaving his girlfriend's home around 2:00 a.m., Ortega sent a chilling text message to her, stating he had been kidnapped. An altercation outside the residence was captured on video, showing Ortega being forced into his own vehicle at gunpoint.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jerson Perez, then drove Ortega approximately 25 miles north of the Loop 101 freeway. In a desolate desert area, Perez allegedly shot Ortega multiple times, leaving his body behind. The grim discovery was made after Perez's own family contacted the Phoenix Police Department. Family members grew suspicious after Perez returned home with blood on him and began talking about his involvement in the incident.
Following the family's tip, police located and arrested Perez near the scene of the initial kidnapping. According to court documents, Perez confessed to the crime during questioning. Investigators believe the motive was a shared love interest, as the victim was dating Perez's ex-girlfriend. It was also revealed that Perez had allegedly been planning the homicide for about a month. He was subsequently booked on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, with his bail set at one million dollars.
