Boyfriend confesses to murdering Ruby Garcia in Michigan

State police in Michigan have provided details about the investigation into the murder of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old woman killed by her boyfriend, Brandon Ortiz-Vite. After discovering Garcia's body on March 22, 2024, police quickly suspected Ortiz-Vite but were unable to locate him initially. However, he turned himself in two days later and confessed to the crime. Garcia's family has largely remained quiet about the situation, but her killing received national attention, especially after it was revealed Ortiz-Vite was in the U.S. illegally. Former President Donald Trump visited Grand Rapids in connection with the case, using it in his campaign messaging. During court, Garcia’s sister, Mavi, expressed her grief and desire for justice, describing Ruby as someone with a “pure soul.” The police investigation revealed Ortiz-Vite's complicated background. He had entered the U.S. unlawfully and had previously been deported. On the night of the murder, the couple had been dating for a few months, but Garcia had kept the relationship a secret from her family. On the night she died, after sending a Snapchat and planning to drive Ortiz-Vite home, there was a confrontation in her car. Ortiz-Vite later claimed during questioning that out of anger, he shot Garcia multiple times. He indicated that the shooting happened quickly and that he did not intend to kill her. After the murder, Ortiz-Vite fled the scene, discarding evidence and spending the night hiding until he sought help at a local church. There, parishioners, unaware of his identity, offered assistance. The next morning, he called 911 from the church bathroom and surrendered to the police. In November 2024, Ortiz-Vite was sentenced to at least 39 years in prison for second-degree murder. He will face deportation if he is ever paroled. The judge in the case described the act as “cold-blooded,” and Ortiz-Vite acknowledged the seriousness of his actions in court.