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| Ismael Ortega Hernande / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
Published August 21st, 2025
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FLORENCE, AZ (iSkyNews) – Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller announced today that a Grand Jury has indicted Ismael Ortega Hernandez, 34, on one count of First-Degree Murder in the November 2022 shooting death of his girlfriend in Florence, Arizona.
According to investigators, Ortega Hernandez allegedly shot the victim twice in front of her two young children and her minor sister, whose ages range from 4 to 12 years old. After the fatal shooting, he allegedly fled the scene. Authorities say evidence revealed prior acts of domestic violence against the victim.
A direct complaint was filed by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Ortega Hernandez’s arrest.
Arrest in Colorado Under False Identity
Earlier this month, Ortega Hernandez was arrested in Colorado for Driving Under the Influence under a false name. His true identity was confirmed after fingerprints matched his record. He was being held in Colorado custody when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intervened due to a final order of removal.
Through coordination with ICE, Ortega Hernandez was transferred to the Florence ICE detention facility, where Pinal County Sheriff’s detectives took him into custody to prevent deportation and ensure he would face charges in Arizona. He is currently being held on a $1 million cash bond.
Prosecutor Statement
“I want to commend the outstanding work of the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure this defendant was located, arrested, and brought back to Arizona,” County Attorney Brad Miller said in a statement. “This was an extremely complex case involving multiple agencies across state lines and coordination with federal authorities. Thanks to their persistence and dedication, we are one step closer to achieving justice for the victim, her children, and our community.”
Next Court Date
Ortega Hernandez is scheduled for arraignment on September 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Pinal County Superior Court.
Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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