GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—A 30-year-old man accused of stabbing another man to death near Grand Junction has been convicted of first-degree murder.
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports ( ) jurors deliberated for nearly seven hours Friday before convicting Julio Ortiz in the March 1, 2012, death of 31-year-old Abel Roper of Fruita. Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced April 12.
Prosecutors say he stabbed Roper 13 times in the chest and leg at a Clifton trailer park, then worked to cover up the slaying and to ensure the silence of his brother, 31-year-old Jose Ortiz.
Investigators say the slaying happened after a fight over a girl involving Roper and Jose Ortiz earlier that night at a Grand Junction bar.
Julio Ortiz also was convicted of several other charges, including assault and tampering with evidence.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
