OGDEN Utah – The man accused of murdering Leroy Ortiz taunted his family after his death.
In 1969, Ortiz’s body was found in the river near Slatterville. He had disappeared about three weeks earlier. Authorities said Ortiz was shot in the back of the head.
The murder became a cold case. It was re-opened in 2017 and this week the Weber County attorney told ABC4 news they found their killer.
“We’re fairly confident that Richard Rios was the one that in fact murdered Ortiz,” said Chris Allred.
They’ve officially closed the books on the murder investigation.
Ortiz’ sister was aware of their findings and was satisfied with news.
“Happiness, happiness and appreciation and grateful that it has come to this point,” Sandra Ortiz said.
For nearly 52-years, Ortiz’s family wondered who killed their brother. They had their suspicions but it couldn’t be proven.
Authorities relied on a 1969 police report from a witness. Allred said for some unknown reason the information from Raymond Norman was never pursued until the case was re-opened.
“Norman told them (police) that Richard Rios confessed to him to having killed Ortiz,” Allred said.
But Rios is dead and so is his brother, a possible suspect, and Norman also died according to the county attorney. Allred said Norman and the Rios brothers socialized. Norman often allowed Richard Rios to use his car according to the 1969 police report.
The 1969 police report was enough for authorities to claim their 1969 cold case is solved.
“I always suspected him from the very beginning after that fight,” said Sandra Ortiz. “After my brother’s body was found word was going around that he, the Rios brothers, were the ones who did it.”
In the 1960’s, the two families grew up in Ogden, attended local schools and knew of each other but were never friends.
“His name was well known in this community as a bully.” she said.