American Homicide Episode Summary: S1:E1 – The Father’s Day Murders, Part 1 Release Date: October 17, 2024
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of American Homicide, journalist Sloan Glass delves into the harrowing Father's Day murders that shook the small village of El Rancho, New Mexico, in 2011. This episode sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the crime, the tight-knit community’s response, and the ensuing investigation led by the New Mexico State Police.

Setting the Scene: El Rancho, New Mexico

Sloan Glass introduces listeners to El Rancho, a predominantly Hispanic village located about 20 miles from Santa Fe. The community is characterized by its co-op farming, churches, and expansive, desolate landscapes:

“The region is home to natural hot springs and wild rivers. You can drive an hour north and go whitewater rafting or you can go down to White Sands and enjoy that.”
— Detective Alex Cross [03:32]

The picturesque yet isolated setting plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, with spacious properties and minimal neighbor proximity contributing to the community’s tight bonds and, ultimately, the vulnerability they face.

The Ortiz Family: Pillars of the Community

The Ortiz family—Lloyd, Dixie, and their adopted son Stephen—are portrayed as beloved members of El Rancho:

“Lloyd Ortiz was a man who loved to use his hands. He owned his own ceramic tile business… Dixie was passionate about working with the elderly and the disabled.”
— Sloan Glass [05:07]

Stephen, referred to as the “gentle giant,” was cherished for his love of drums, ATV riding, and fishing, despite his cognitive challenges.

The Tragic Night: Father's Day 2011

On June 18, 2011, Cherie Ortiz returned from dinner with homemade enchiladas to discover her parents and brother brutally murdered in their home:

“Cherie said she walks in and realizes something's very wrong. She found her mother in bed… The brutality was unspeakable.”
— Detective Alex Cross [06:41]

Cherie's initial 911 call was frantic and misleading, as she inadvertently reported gunshot wounds instead of the actual blunt force trauma inflicted by a pickaxe:

“I just walked in their house and everybody shot in the head.”
— 911 Operator (Sheree Ortiz) [08:15]

Initial Investigation: State Police Respond

With El Rancho lacking its own police force, the New Mexico State Police dispatched Officer Paul Chavez to the gruesome scene:

“The brutality was unspeakable. Sheree Ortiz had found her parents and her adopted stepbrother dead within the residence.”
— Detective Alex Cross [10:02]

Upon examination, Officer Chavez and his team discovered significant evidence of violence, including a blood trail leading to the backyard where Lloyd Ortiz's body was found partially concealed by shrubbery.

Key Discoveries and Investigative Challenges

Further investigation revealed that the victims had not been robbed, and the presence of a marijuana grow on the property did not seem relevant to the murders:

“This did not look like a robbery. It looked like a case of anger.”
— Detective Alex Cross [12:51]

A critical piece of evidence—a pickaxe with bloodstains and DNA from the victims—was found, but no perpetrator DNA was linked, complicating the case.

Suspects and Community Impact

With no immediate suspects, suspicion naturally fell on Cherie Ortiz and her husband Jesse due to their proximity and potential financial motives:

“State police agent Paul Chavez told the difficult line of questioning a mourning Cherie.”
— Sloan Glass [25:15]

Cherie's financial struggles, including unpaid debts and the late revelation of $80,000 missing from her parents' home, raised red flags:

“She had removed $80,000 in cash from her parents' home but didn't tell the police until three days after the murders.”
— Sloan Glass [25:33]

Media Pressure and Community Fear

Local reporter Alex Tomlin covers the intense media scrutiny and community pressure faced by Cherie and Jesse, amplifying the tension:

“Nobody wants to think that they're gonna go to sleep and somebody who's pickaxed a couple and their son to death is going to come into their home next.”
— Alex Tomlin [19:06]

The community’s fear was palpable, leading to reluctance in speaking with the media and increased anxiety about potential future violence.

Breakthrough and New Leads

Sixteen months after the murders, a breakthrough occurs when a local woman, Ashley Roybal, is arrested and reveals crucial information about the crime:

“Ashley Roybal kept quiet for 16 months… Now, 16 months later, Ashley was finally ready to talk.”
— Sloan Glass [31:08]

Ashley’s testimony promised to shed new light on the case, offering hope for closure to the grieving Ortiz family and the community.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode concludes, listeners are left on a cliffhanger, eager to hear Ashley Roybal’s account in the upcoming part two:

“Find out what Ashley says really happened that night. On part two of the Father's Day murders. That’s next time on American Homicide.”
— Sloan Glass [33:07]

This sets the stage for an in-depth continuation of the investigation, promising to unravel the complexities and uncover the truth behind the brutal killings.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Alex Cross [10:24]:
  “There was reportedly gunshots heard the previous night in the area.”

• Sloan Glass [21:01]:
  “So Cherie said her parents had been dead since that morning. How did she know that? And why didn't she call 911 till 7 that evening?”

• Detective Alex Cross [29:44]:
  “If you don't investigate Jesse and Cherie to the fullest, you make a very easy argument for a defense attorney to create doubt in a jury's mind.”

Final Thoughts

S1:E1 – The Father’s Day Murders, Part 1 effectively sets up a compelling true crime narrative, blending personal tragedy with investigative drama. Sloan Glass's meticulous storytelling, combined with firsthand accounts and investigative insights, provides a gripping foundation for the series. As the community of El Rancho grapples with fear and suspicion, listeners are drawn into the quest for justice, eagerly anticipating the revelations to come in the next episode.

Stay Tuned for Part 2:
Discover the pivotal revelations from Ashley Roybal and how they reshape the investigation in the next installment of the Father’s Day Murders on American Homicide.