On June 29, 2020 at approximately 12:35 a.m. Smith County Deputies responded to a deadly conduct call in the 5300 block of Hwy 110 North (Van Hwy) in Tyler. Upon the arrival of Deputies, two deceased Hispanic male subjects were located in the front yard of this residence with apparent gunshot wounds. The crime scene was immediately secured and additional personnel were notified.
Upon the arrival of Smith County Investigators and the Crime Scene Unit the investigation expanded with additional law enforcement agencies called in to assist. Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Jon Johnson arrived on scene for the inquest. Judge Johnson ordered an autopsy on both victims and their bodies were removed to Forensic Medical in Tyler.
It was later learned that a third Hispanic male victim was transported to UT Health in Tyler by private vehicle. After surgery, this victim is listed in stable condition.
Smith County Investigators are actively working several crime scenes at this time. The Sheriff’s Office is working concurrently with Texas DPS Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Tyler Police Department and The Smith County District Attorney’s Office on this investigation.
This is an active homicide investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available. The name of the victims are being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.
For more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office visit www.smithcountysheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office also has a FB page and can be followed on Twitter at @SmithCSO.
Update
The two homicide victims have been identified as Justino Rosales-Betancourt – 32 and Jose Manuel Betancourt – 35. The third victim identified in this shooting is Saul Morado – 20, who suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect in this homicide has been identified as Ramiro Ortiz – 34 of Tyler. An arrest warrant for the offense of murder was obtained from Smith County Court at Law # 2 Judge Taylor Heaton with a bond set at $1,500,000.
Ramiro Ortiz is still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Ramiro Ortiz please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.