06-03-2025
Woman arrested in Ernie Ortiz case gets probation
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — A woman arrested in connection with the death of Garden City businessman Ernie Ortiz has been sentenced to probation.
In September 2019, Ortiz, 69, was found fatally wounded outside El Conquistador, a restaurant he owned for 39 years. Police believe he was shot during a robbery as he closed the business for the night. He died at the hospital.
In September 2023, U.S. Marshals arrested Samantha Jo Smith in South Carolina. She was brought back to Kansas, where she was charged with murder and aggravated robbery.
Last November, those charges were dropped, and Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. County Attorney Susan Richmeier said in a statement that the reduced charge 'took into consideration all facts and circumstances known by law enforcement and the Finney County Attorney's Office at the time of plea.'
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This week, Smith was back in court for her sentencing. According to the Justice for Ernie Ortiz Facebook page, the Ortiz family filled the courtroom and provided victim impact statements.
In the end, District Judge Rebecca Faurot sentenced Smith to two years of probation and payment of almost $5,900 in fees.
The Ortiz family made sure the case got statewide attention. The relatives became the first family to partner with Crime Stoppers of Garden City for a reward going to a specific case. The family opened a GoFundMe account through the Justice for Ernie Ortiz Facebook page to raise funds for the reward.
Then, in 2022, Ortiz's murder was selected for the Kansas Cold Case Playing Cards program. The decks of cards featuring unsolved murders were being distributed in Kansas jails and prisons in hopes that inmates might share information pertinent to the cases.
In January 2023, the reward for information in the Ortiz case jumped to $21,500.
After the murder charge was dropped against Smith in November, KSN contacted the Garden City Police Department. A spokesperson said the Ortiz murder case remains open and active.
'Ernie Ortiz was a well-known and beloved citizen of Garden City, and his death not only affected his family and loved ones but also the community,' police said. 'For over five years, the Garden City Police Department has worked tirelessly to find answers and help provide a sense of closure to Mr. Ortiz's family while bringing those responsible for his death to justice.'
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