Sentencing has been set for November 1, 2024, for Jason Nicholas Ortiz, after being convicted of one count of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm. The case involves a deadly shooting at a Naples restaurant. The jury returned the guilty verdict following a four-day trial in Collier County.
Assistant State Attorney Mara Marzano, of the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit, and Assistant State Attorney Laura Farrell prosecuted the case.
In March 2021, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a bar and grill on Immokalee Road. When they arrived, deputies learned there had been a shooting in the busy establishment.
Just prior to the shooting, the defendant and the victim, who were co-workers at a local business, had been in the parking lot. The victim then walked back in the bar to speak with another co-worker who was also there.
The defendant then entered the bar and walked directly to the victim. He drew a weapon from behind him, a 40 caliber Glock, pulled the victim away from the bar counter, and shot him multiple times.
When the shots rang out, other customers jumped in to assist the victim and disarm the defendant. They also made sure the shooter did not flee the scene. The defendant had injuries and was arrested upon his release from the hospital.
The victim died at a hospital, from the injuries sustained in the shooting.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director