LOWELL, Mich. — A newly released 911 call is shedding light on how West Michigan law enforcement captured a man wanted for the murder of a 25-year-old Grand Rapids woman.
Brandon Ortiz-Vite confessed to killing 25-year-old Ruby Garcia on March 22 and leaving her body on US 131. He is facing felony murder, open murder, carjacking and two weapons charges in her death. It is believed that Garcia and Ortiz-Vite were in a relationship.
13 ON YOUR SIDE obtained the partially redacted 911 call through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Ortiz-Vite's main concern during the phone call was his safety when taken to jail.
In the nearly 17-minute call, Ortiz-Vite calmly talks to the dispatcher, asking to turn himself in while admitting that he had murdered someone two nights earlier.
“I’m calling ‘cause I want to turn myself in for a murder I committed two nights ago," Ortiz-Vite told the dispatcher.
Ortiz-Vite was calling from Ganges Methodist Church on Blue Star Highway in Allegan County while service was underway, the pastor of the church confirmed.
“I do have a gun on me but when you guys come I will set it on the floor…I’m not gonna use it or nothing. I’m cooperating," Ortiz-Vite said after sharing he wanted to turn himself in.
Ortiz-Vite then told the dispatcher that he went outside and put the gun on the ground by the mailbox of the church so police would know he wasn't armed.
The dispatcher had Ortiz-Vite stay on the line with her while the police were on their way to the church. Ortiz-Vite shared a concern for his life while on the phone waiting for police.
Ortiz-Vite: “Can I just ask you one big favor please?”
Dispatcher: “Yeah, what’s that?”
Ortiz-Vite: “When I turn myself in I know they’re gonna kill me in jail, they’re gonna try to kill me. Can I be in solitary?”
The dispatcher told Ortiz that she'd tell police that he was concerned about being killed in jail and moments later asked if Ortiz-Vite had a car.
“I’m not gonna leave the scene, I’m gonna stay here. I want to face this," Ortiz-Vite said.
Ortiz-Vite continued to be worried about his safety in prison.
“Please I don't want to die in jail, you know. I know that I committed a murder, but I’d rather serve the time," Ortiz-Vite added.
The dispatcher noticed that it sounded like Ortiz-Vite was cold and shivering and asked if he had been outside for two days. Ortiz-Vite replied that he had been on the run in the woods.
Ortiz-Vite then turned back to his safety, claiming that he already knew that there was a "hit" on him.
“I know what I did was wrong and I'll do the time I just don't want to die inside…The reason why I say I’m gonna die inside is because I already got word that there’s a hit on me," Ortiz-Vite told the dispatcher. “Please, please let the officers know that I don’t want to die, please.”
The dispatcher stayed on the line with Ortiz-Vite, coaching him about the arrest process and keeping him calm until police arrived.
Ortiz-Vite told the dispatcher he was waiting with his hands in the air and the gun on the ground away from him. Ortiz-Vite said the gun was a 9mm Taurus and that it was loaded.
Garcia has been remembered as a loving, funny person who could brighten any room.
"Ruby's love for plants and traveling came nothing close to her affectionate smile that illuminated the room or contagious laughter that recreated the atmosphere," reads her obituary. "She cared so deeply for the people around her—so kind and passionate. She's made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed."
Garcia was laid to rest last month. You can read Ruby's obituary here.
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