Gone South - Season 3, Episode 6: "The Motive"

Released on November 22, 2023, "Gone South" is a gripping weekly podcast series by Audacy Podcasts that delves into Southern-themed crimes. In Season 3, Episode 6 titled "The Motive," host Jed Lipinski explores the chilling case of Juan David Ortiz, a Border Patrol agent accused of murdering four women in Laredo, Texas. This episode intricately examines Ortiz's background, the investigation, the trial, and the profound impact on the community and victims' families.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Brandon Caro, a retired Navy combat medic and a former colleague of Ortiz, recounting his shock upon learning that Ortiz, whom he knew as a trustworthy and professional individual, was arrested for multiple murders.

Brandon Caro (01:13):
"I saw a photo of him and I was like, oh my God, that's the guy I used to work with. I was just so shocked because my memory of him was this guy who was good at his job, everyone liked..."

Caro’s disbelief sets the tone for the episode, highlighting the unsettling reality that someone perceived as reliable and compassionate could commit heinous crimes.

Background of Juan David Ortiz

Juan David Ortiz, a Border Patrol agent, was charged with the murders of four women in Laredo over a span of two weeks. Authorities labeled him a "rogue Asian" and a serial killer who targeted vulnerable individuals in the community.

Jed Lipinski (03:47):
"Border Patrol agent Juan David Ortiz remains behind bars tonight, accused of murdering four women in Laredo in the last two weeks."

Adding to the gravity, Ortiz was not the first Border Patrol agent accused of murder that year. Four months prior, Agent Ronald Borgos Aviles was charged with stabbing his mistress and their one-year-old son to death.

Institutional Response and Initial Reactions

Laredo’s Mayor, Pete Sands, criticized U.S. Customs and Border Protection leadership for failing to identify dangerous individuals within their ranks. Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost vehemently defended her agency’s integrity.

Carla Provost (04:57):
"First and foremost, I do want to reiterate in South Texas, I've got a workforce of approximately 6,000 and I do not want a couple of rogue individuals being characterized how my men and women work and who they are because they are consummate professionals."

An official from the Border Patrol’s Office of Special Responsibility emphasized that Ortiz had no prior indications of potential for such violence, citing only a dismissed complaint regarding a minor incident with an immigrant.

Defense: PTSD and Mental Health Struggles

Defense attorney Joey Taez explored Ortiz’s mental health, suggesting that PTSD from his military service and subsequent Border Patrol duties might have contributed to his actions. Ortiz had been diagnosed with PTSD by the VA two months before the murders and had sought treatment for severe anxiety and drinking problems.

Joey Taez (07:23):
"Taez suspected the VA may have irresponsibly prescribed medications to Ortiz and failed to properly monitor him."

Colleagues described Ortiz as both professional and, at times, awkward and obsessive, hinting at internal struggles. Ortiz’s wife and mother portrayed him as a loving and nonviolent individual, complicating the narrative of his motive.

Carla Provost (07:53):
"...we as a country have done a very poor job of helping the young men and women that we send across in wars in dealing with their post traumatic stress."

Ortiz’s reluctance to disclose suicidal thoughts to his supervisors further underscores the stigma surrounding mental health within the Border Patrol.

Prosecution: Building the Case Against Ortiz

District Attorney Alaniz pursued capital murder charges, initially considering hate crime classifications due to the targeted nature of the murders. The prosecution presented substantial evidence, including a confession, a murder weapon, and ballistic matches linking Ortiz’s gun to the crime scenes.

Joey Taez (21:05):
"Had the defense tried to argue that Ortiz was suffering from some kind of PTSD or medication-induced psychosis? Alaniz said he would have pointed to Ortiz's wife and supervisor, who'd noticed no change in his personality before or after the murders."

Despite these strong evidences, the prosecution struggled to establish a clear motive. Alaniz theorized potential personal conflicts, such as jealousy over romantic relationships or retaliation against the community, but admitted the true motive remained elusive.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial, initially scheduled for 2021, was delayed until December 2022 due to the pandemic. The prosecution's focus shifted from hate crimes to standard murder charges after the victims' families advocated for life imprisonment over the death penalty.

District Attorney Alaniz (19:19):
"We felt that the elements were there for the Capitol. Murder for Death Penalty because of the..."

During the trial, Ortiz’s confession and weapon were central to the prosecution's case. The defense attempted to challenge the confession's validity and discredit key witnesses, particularly Erica Pena, who had admitted heroin use the night of Ortiz’s arrest.

Alaniz (22:18):
"First thing a lot of juries want to know is motive. Why does somebody do what they do?"

The jury deliberated for five hours, ultimately finding Ortiz guilty of capital murder. A federal judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Impact on the Community and Victims' Families

The murders deeply affected Laredo’s community and the families of the victims. A poignant victim impact statement was delivered by Joy Cantu, sister of Giselda Loera, one of the victims.

Joy Cantu (29:56):
"She did not beg for her life. She begged for your life. She told you it didn't matter what you had done, that God would forgive you, that God would always love you."

The community held vigils to honor the victims, emphasizing their humanity and the collective mourning process.

Joey Taez (31:30):
"To honor these women was very heartwarming... And just to see all the families come together and people that we didn't know come give their condolences..."

Unanswered Questions and Reflections

Despite thorough investigations, the episode highlights lingering questions about Ortiz’s true motive and the interplay between his military service, Border Patrol duties, and mental health struggles. Host Jed Lipinski presents unanswered questions that remain:

• Ortiz’s True Feelings: How did Ortiz genuinely feel about his victims, considering their differing recollections of his character?

• Intersection of Personal Trauma and Professional Duties: Did Ortiz’s military experiences and Border Patrol responsibilities exacerbate his PTSD?

• Impact of Mental Health Stigma: How did the fear of career repercussions influence Ortiz’s willingness to seek help?

Joey Taez (32:04):
"But to see the community come together... We're not alone. We're not mourning alone. We're not mourning alone. The community was mourning with us."

These reflections underscore the complexities of understanding human behavior, especially when intertwined with personal trauma and institutional pressures.

Conclusion

In "The Motive," "Gone South" meticulously unpacks the tragic case of Juan David Ortiz, weaving together testimony, expert analysis, and emotional narratives to present a multifaceted view of the crime. The episode not only investigates the surface details of the murders but also delves into the underlying issues of mental health, institutional responsibilities, and the elusive nature of human motives. As the community heals and seeks understanding, the episode leaves listeners contemplating the intricate layers that drive individuals to commit unimaginable acts.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Caro (01:13):
  "You never know a person. You can never know a person."

• Carla Provost (07:53):
  "We as a country have done a very poor job of helping the young men and women that we send across in wars in dealing with their post traumatic stress."

• Joy Cantu (29:56):
  "It would be so easy to hate you. Too easy. But I've always abhorred the path of least resistance. And I don't hate you."

Credits: Written and narrated by Jed Lipinski. Executive Produced by Jed Lipinski, Tom Lipinski, and Ken Lee. Story Editor: Tom Lipinski. Directed by Lloyd Lockridge. Produced by Anna Worrell. Edited, Mixed, and Mastered by Chris Basil. Original Music by Marshall Chadbourne. Production Support from Ian Mott, Bill Schultz, Bob Tabador, and Sean Cherry. Special Thanks to JD Crowley, Jenna Weiss Berman, Maura Curran, Josephina Francis, Kurt Courtney, and Hilary Schuff. "Gone South" is an Audacy original.

For more information or to share your thoughts, visit gonesouthpodcast@gmail.com.