Causes
More details released as New Bedford man accused of murdering Karina Martinez-Ortiz found in Springfield, held on bail
More details were revealed concerning a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Bristol County woman.
District Attorney Thomas M Quinn, III announced that 49-year-old Wilo Morales-Colon of New Bedford had been arrested and charged in the shooting death of Karina Martinez-Ortiz that took place on March 4th at 438 Bolton Street in the City of New Bedford.
Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with New Bedford Police secured an arrest warrant Wednesday evening for Morales-Colon for the charges of Murder and Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm. He was located in Springfield, Mass and was taken into custody early Thursday morning.
Morales-Colon was a neighbor of the victim at 438 Bolston Street and had a past personal relationship with her.
At his arraignment in New Bedford District Court, Morales-Colon was held without bail.
According to NBC10, Martinez-Ortiz had been in the hallway to give food to a neighbor, when Morales-Colon allegedly shot her.
Morales-Colon reportedly admitted to committing the shooting and told police where the firearm was located.
A surveillance camera and other neighbors identified Morales-Colon as the suspect.
According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Karina was being remembered as “a strong, warrior, brave and resilient woman. She was also a humble, helpful person, with a pure heart and full of love for all of us who knew her. She leaves us a legacy of charisma, love, forgiveness and being strong in the face of adversity.”
“I am pleased with the efforts of all investigating agencies to quickly locate the defendant and bring him into custody. Thank you to the Massachusetts State Police and Homicide Prosecutors from my office, members of the New Bedford Police Department and the Diplomatic Security Service,” District Attorney Tom Quinn said.
