FINNEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in connection with the robbery and murder of a southwest Kansas restaurant owner will now be sentenced for a reduced charge.
On November 7, Samantha Jo Smith pled guilty to an amended complaint filed in in Finney County District Court for conspiracy to commit robbery according to the Finney County Attorney's office. The conspiracy involved Smith and Marcus Roady, who is now deceased in connection with the 2019 death of Charles Ernest 'Ernie' Ortiz.
In September 2019, Ernie Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant in Garden City and he later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.
On September 6 of 2023, U.S. Marshals arrested Smith in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in connection with crime.
A statement from the Finney County Attorney's office said they recognize the death of Mr. Ortiz was devastating to the family, friends and community. As victims, the family has been involved throughout all phases of the investigation and prosecution of Samantha Smith. As prosecutors, it is our duty to ensure justice is fair and commensurate with crimes committed by parties charges. It this instance, the amendment of the complaint to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit robbery took into consideration all facts and circumstances known by law enforcement and the county attorney at the time of the plea.
The case remains an open and ongoing investigation, according to the Garden City Police Department. Anyone with information about the case, is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Garden City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.
Smith is scheduled for sentencing December 4.