The man accused of killing Jeanette Martinez, a Magna mother of four, was charged in 3rd District Court with capital murder Friday.
Wally Frank Ortiz, 29, has been charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense. If convicted, Ortiz could face the death penalty.Salt Lake County sheriff's detectives believe Ortiz killed Martinez, his sister-in-law, Wednesday during an alleged robbery of her Magna home. Martinez's body was discovered in her house, 2647 S. Melville Drive (8040 West), about 5 p.m. by her husband, Anthony Martinez.
According to court documents, the suspect admitted to having killed Martinez by hitting her over the head several times with a pool stick and then stabbing her repeatedly in the chest, neck and back. The suspect took Martinez's purse, coins and other items and left in her car.
Police found Ortiz early Thursday in Wendover, Nev. He was shot in the buttocks by a Salt Lake County deputy sheriff as he attempted to flee across a casino parking lot. He was flown to University Hospital and then transferred to the Salt Lake County Jail Friday. Bail was set at $500,000.