Burden of Guilt Podcast Episode Summary: "Introducing: American Homicide"
Podcast Title: Burden of Guilt
Episode Title: Introducing: American Homicide
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Introduction to American Homicide
In this inaugural episode, "Introducing: American Homicide," host Nancy Glass unveils a new true crime series that delves into some of the most perplexing and gruesome murders across the United States. Produced by Glass Podcasts in partnership with iHeartPodcasts, the series promises a comprehensive reexamination of infamous cases, featuring insights from law enforcement, legal experts, victims' families, and community members.
Notable Quote:
Nancy Glass [00:58]: "American Homicide is a reexamination and a reinvestigation of infamous true crime stories. You are hearing from law enforcement who was behind the investigations, lawyers, judges, victims, and their friends and family."
Focus on El Rancho: The Father's Day Murders
The first case explored is the tragic "Father's Day Murders" that occurred in the small village of El Rancho, New Mexico, on June 18, 2011. Cherie Ortiz discovered her parents, Lloyd and Dixie Ortiz, along with her adopted brother, Stephen, brutally murdered in their home.
Key Details:
- Victims:
- Lloyd Ortiz: Owner of a ceramic tile business, found outside the house.
- Dixie Ortiz: Activities director at a local retirement home, found in the master bedroom.
- Stephen Ortiz: Cherie's adopted brother with special needs, found in the kitchen.
Notable Quotes:
Cherie Ortiz [04:59]: "I just walked in their house and everybody shot in the head."
Sloan Glass [09:11]: "Stephen lay face down in a pool of blood, wearing only his underwear. Police noted that he took the brunt of the attack."
The Initial Investigation and Suspicions
The brutality of the murders shocked the tight-knit community of El Rancho. With no local police force, the New Mexico State Police stepped in, led by Officer Paul Chavez.
Investigation Insights:
- Crime Scene:
- Initially believed to be gunshot wounds.
- Autopsies later revealed the victims were killed with a blunt object.
- Evidence Found:
- A five-pound pickaxe with bloodstains, believed to be the murder weapon.
- DNA from all victims on the pickaxe, but no suspect DNA was found.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Chavez [13:03]: "The magnitude of the violence involved was the worst that I had seen in my career."
Paul Chavez [22:33]: "These were in fact, not gunshot wounds. They were actually lacerations that were penetrating with a blunt object."
Suspicion Falls on Cherie and Jesse Ortiz
As investigation unfolded, suspicion shifted toward Cherie Ortiz and her husband, Jesse. Several red flags emerged:
- Financial Struggles:
- Cherie had significant credit card debt and unpaid car loans.
- She revealed $80,000 was removed from her parents' home three days after the murders.
- Contradictory Statements:
- Cherie and Jesse claimed to be at a local casino during the time of the murders, but inconsistencies in their alibi raised doubts.
- Community Pressure:
- The community's demand for swift justice heightened the pressure on the police to find a suspect.
Notable Quotes:
Cherie Ortiz [12:38]: "And all because I didn't have money for a Father's Day gift. I didn't want to go until I finished cooking enchiladas for him." [27:15]
Paul Chavez [30:55]: "Could family gain from the death of the victim? Sure they can. If there's insurance policies in place or property in place, is there something to be gained?"
Cherie Ortiz's Public Plea and Continued Scrutiny
Facing immense suspicion and financial strain, Cherie took proactive steps to clear her name:
- Public Interview:
- Cherie granted an interview to local reporter Alex Tomlin, expressing her innocence and sorrow.
- PO Box Setup:
- She established a PO Box for anonymous tips, hoping to unearth the true perpetrator.
- Community Relations:
- The family's standing in the community deteriorated as friends turned into suspects, deepening the emotional toll on Cherie and Jesse.
Notable Quotes:
Cherie Ortiz [34:42]: "I really do have hope. I know this is going to get solved." [34:59]
Cherie Ortiz [35:12]: "We had nothing to do with it. My God. That was my mom and my dad and my little brother." [35:06]
Breakthrough with Ashley Roybal
Sixteen months post-murders, a breakthrough emerged when Ashley Roybal, a local woman, was arrested for unrelated charges and disclosed crucial information about the case.
Key Revelation:
- Ashley's Testimony:
- Claims to know the true identity of the murderer, offering new insights that could potentially exonerate Cherie and Jesse.
Notable Quotes:
Ashley Roybal [37:36]: "I know who did it." [37:40]
Sloan Glass [38:23]: "The investigation... would prove to be an understatement." [38:20]
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Despite the arrest of Ashley Roybal, uncertainties remain:
- Credibility Issues:
- Investigators have to verify Ashley's claims and determine their validity.
- Community Trust:
- The prolonged investigation has left the community on edge, fearful of potential future violence and divided in their support.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Chavez [35:24]: "If you don't investigate Jesse and Sherry to the fullest, you make a very easy argument for a defense attorney to create doubt in a jury's mind." [35:24]
Pastor John Trujillo [38:31]: "We just want the truth." [38:31]
Conclusion and Tease for Part Two
The episode concludes with unresolved tension as the community awaits further details from Ashley Roybal's testimony. The next installment promises to explore her revelations and their implications for the case.
Closing Quote:
Sloan Glass [38:38]: "Find out what Ashley says really happened that night on part two of the Father's Day murders." [38:38]
Production and Credits
"American Homicide" is hosted and written by Sloan Glass, a seasoned journalist known for covering high-profile true crime cases. The series is produced by Glass Podcasts, with executive production by Nancy Glass and Todd Ganz. The team includes writers Ben Fetterman and Andrea Gunning, alongside associate producer Kristen Melchuri. The podcast features audio editing by Matt D'Alvecchio and additional support from Nick Aruga, Tanner Robbins, Britt Robicheaux, Dave Seah, and Patrick Walsh. The haunting theme song is composed by Oliver Baines of Noiser Music Library.
Listener Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to follow "American Homicide" on Apple Podcasts and other major platforms, and to rate and review the show to support its growth and reach within the true crime community.
Contact Information:
- Email: us@AmericanHomicidePodmail.com
- Website: AmericanHomicidePodmail.com
This episode sets a compelling foundation for the series, blending meticulous investigative storytelling with emotional narratives, ensuring that listeners are both informed and deeply engaged with the unfolding mystery.