Ortega Jr. found guilty of murder on Owatonna

MANTORVILLE — Danny Ortega Jr. was found guilty of all four murder charges against him late Friday morning for the February 2008 slaying of Troy Ulrich in Claremont.

Ortega Jr. was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree murder with intent while committing a felony, second-degree murder with intent, and second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. His father, Danny Ortega Sr., faces the same charges.

The verdict was read at about 11:30 a.m. followed by sentencing by Judge Lawrence Agerter, who handed Ortega Jr. a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank said he would not ask for any fines but that restitution be ordered after the trial of Ortega Sr. — which Agerter granted.

Ortega Jr. showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict nor during sentencing. When asked if he would like to make a statement before the sentencing, Ortega Jr. said only, “No, I’m good.”

Many were disappointed by Ortega’s silence during the trial.

“I personally think he owed us an explanation and we didn’t get it,” said Ulrich’s sister, Deb Behne. “He showed absolutely no remorse, no feelings at all.”

In handing down the sentence, Agerter said, “Obviously, this should’ve never happened. A life is lost and we can never go back and undo that.”

According to court record, the jury — which began deliberations at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday — found Ortega Jr. guilty on the second, third and fourth counts as early as that afternoon. The 12-person jury retired Thursday evening about 10 p.m. and returned 9 a.m. Friday.

The Mantorville courtroom was filled with law enforcement, court officials and Ulrich’s family. Ulrich, who was killed just hours after his birthday on Feb. 15, left behind four sisters, a brother, twin boys, a daughter and a stepson and many nieces and nephews.

Ulrich’s sister, Nancy Techau, who has attended the trial each day along with other relatives of Ulrich, told Ortega Jr., “We as a family will miss (Troy) walking down the aisle with his daughter at her wedding.”

The man described as “just a big kid at heart” loved getting together with his family for barbecues, “CSI” and “Hell’s Kitchen.” Techau said the family has not been able to celebrate Christmas since Troy’s death.

Techau added that although Ulrich could not claim to be a saint, he was turning his life around at the time of his death.

His sister, Vickie Hinchley, saw Troy the day before his birthday.

“He told me ‘You’re the best big sister in the world. I love you with all of my heart,’” Hinchley said in a statement to Ortega Jr.

In another statement, Ulrich’s brother, sister in-law, and father Richard expressed how they could not understand how Ortega Jr. could gang up on a man with only one arm.

Yet, the family was elated by the verdict.

“Somebody was watching out for us today,” Hinchley said. “I’m just happy (Ortega Jr.) will be off the streets and this will not happen to another family.”

Still, Ulrich’s family expressed their sympathy for all families that were involved.

“We lost one. (The Ortegas) are losing two and for what reason?” Behne said.

Frank declined to comment at this time due to upcoming trial of Ortega Sr. A change of venue motion hearing will be held in Dodge County District Court at 9 a.m. Monday for Ortega Sr.

Defense attorneys Paul Spyhalski and Joel Eaton said they respected the jury’s decision and the efforts of all parties involved in the nearly three-week trial process. Spyhalski said they knew the case would be a difficult process but it had been fair.

A conviction of first-degree premeditated murder is automatically appealable under Minnesota law. Spyhalski said it was unknown at this time if Ortega Jr. would attempt to appeal the decision.

Wendy Reuer can be reached at 444-1565.

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Member Opinions: By: owatonnaveteran on 12/20/09 "Ortega Jr. showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict nor during sentencing". As sad as this is, it doesn't really surprise me. The only emotion this guy is feeling right now (if any) is probably a bit of anger that he has to spend the rest of his life in prison. The only regret of any sort that this guy is experiencing is that he got caught. Let him rot in prison.
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