FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2005
Contact:
Bilen Mesfin, DA Harris’ Office, 553-1226
Debbie Mesloh, DA Harris’ Office, 553-1596
Jury Convicts Man of 2nd Degree Murder and Arson
Defendant faces 18 years to life in prison
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – District Attorney Kamala D. Harris announced today that Francisco Ortiz, age 31, CTN 2187154, was convicted of killing his girlfriend and then setting her ablaze. According to court documents, on February 24, 2004, the defendant killed 25-year-old Felicia Moore at her home on the 900 block of Bay Street and then set the bed on fire. Her body was so badly burned that inspectors were not able to determine cause of death. SFPD Inspectors arrested Ortiz eight months later after determining that he was the last person known to have seen Smith alive.
After deliberating for four days, the jury delivered the verdict today at approximately 11:30 a.m. and found the defendant guilty of 2nd degree murder and residential arson. The defendant faces 18 years to life; sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2005 before Judge Yaggy.
“This was one of our most difficult cases,” said District Attorney Kamala D. Harris. “Assistant District Attorney Dennis Cashman had to convince the jury that this defendant committed a brutal crime using only circumstantial evidence. The verdict is a testament to Dennis’ skill and expertise. Our office thanks SFPD Inspector Dennis Maffei for his excellent work and the jury for their time and service.”
According to court documents, on the night she died, Felicia Smith and the defendant had an argument and she asked him to leave her apartment. Once he was out of the apartment, he pleaded with her to let him to let him back into the apartment so they could talk.
When questioned by the police, the defendant said he had gone home around 1:00 a.m. after the argument with the victim. However, cell phone records and subsequent cell tower activity placed the defendant at the front of Moore’s home at approximately 3:00 a.m. The cell phone records and cell phone tower activity were instrumental in the prosecution’s case. Other evidence presented at trial included a portable camera that showed images the defendant had taken of himself on the bed of the victim.
The case is the third successful homicide conviction the District Attorney’s Office has secured in the past week.
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