California man sentenced to 35 years for killing his wife in front of their 6 children

OXNARD, Calif. (TCD) -- A 38-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his wife in front of their six children was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison on Monday, Dec. 6.

According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, on Sept. 16, 2021, Alfredo Ortiz pleaded guilty to the crime, which took place in 2017.

The Oxnard Police Department said officers responded to a domestic violence report on the 100 block of North Juanita on Jan. 5, 2017, involving Ortiz and his wife, Teresa. According to the Oxnard Police Department, Ortiz “was seen by witnesses dragging the female into the residence which was followed by multiple gunshots.”

KTLA-TV reports that another woman and six children were seen running away from the home.

Ortiz’s wife reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen, and though emergency personnel attempted to revive her, she succumbed to her injuries.

KTLA said Ortiz fled the scene after the shooting, and as a precaution, nearby schools were put on lockdown as officers searched the area.

According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ortiz was arrested the next day, Jan. 6, 2017, in Somis.

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