A Collier County jury has convicted a Fort Myers man of second-degree murder for a March 2021 deadly shooting at a North Naples restaurant.
Jason Ortiz, 33, was charged in the March 12, 2021, shooting at Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grill, in North Naples, that left a man dead. The victim’s identity remains redacted in the reports more than three years later.
When sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, they noted the shooting happened in the busy establishment. Three men, including Ortiz, were wounded. One of them tried to break up the fight.
Just before the shooting, Ortiz and the victim, who were coworkers at a local business, had been in the parking lot. The victim then walked back in the bar to speak with another coworker.
Ortiz then entered the bar and walked directly to the victim. He drew a firearm from behind him, pulled the victim away from the bar counter, taking him to the ground, and shot him several times.
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Other patrons jumped in to assist the victim and disarm Ortiz, authorities said. They also made sure Ortiz did not flee.
Ortiz had injuries and was arrested upon his release from the hospital. The victim later died from his injuries at NCH North.
Ortiz’s sentencing is set for Nov. 1.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at [email protected] or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Fort Myers man convicted of killing coworker during dispute
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