D.A. Robert Morganthau



DISTRICT ATTORNEY - NEW YORK COUNTY

News Release
March 27, 2006
Contact: Barbara Thompson212.335.9400

Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau announced today the indictment of SEGUNDO ORTIZ on homicide charges stemming from the murder of his 28-year-old common law wife.

ORTIZ has been indicted for intentional Murder in the Second Degree for the March 15th strangulation death of his wife, Maria Graciela Calle Cardenas. The murder occurred in their apartment at 3544 Broadway (at 145th Street). The investigation revealed that the victim died as a result of a ligature strangulation.

The defendant, who is currently remanded, will be arraigned on the indictment next month.
Murder in the Second Degree is a class A felony which is punishable by a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Alberto Roig presented the case to the grand jury and will be in charge of the prosecution.
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