SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man arrested in California and extradited to Kansas for his role in a fatal Sept. 2020 crash has made a first court appearance in the case.
Gabriel Ortiz, 26, is charged with reckless 2nd degree murder or in the alternative, involuntary manslaughter. He is also charged with three counts of aggravated battery. In the alternative,” charges can be filed using alternative theories. Even though a defendant can be convicted of both alternatives, he can only be sentenced on one of the two.
On Jan. 25, , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.
Ortiz was booked for a warrant issued in the 18th Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery. The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.
The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision. Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Ortiz next court date is Feb. 7, according to the district attorney's office. He is being held on a bond of $200,000.