Update: March 3, 2024 at 7:06 p.m.
According to the Pima County Attorney’s Office the charges against Colton Ortiz have been dropped.
In a statement shared with KGUN9 the Attorney's Office said "New evidence has come to light that required these charges to be immediately dismissed. Further investigation is now underway based on the newly discovered evidence, and while this is pending, we cannot comment further. We will update, as possible."
Stay with KGUN9 for continued coverage on this matter.
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On Tuesday, February 27, at around 8:30 p.m., a man and baby were struck by car near West Ruthrauff Road and North Kain Avenue.
According to a report from the Pima County Sheriff's Department, 34-year-old Marquese Reese was pushing the 11-month-old in a stroller, along with two other adults, when they were hit.
Detectives identified the driver as 32-year-old Colton Ortiz.
Reese was left with minor injuries while the baby had life-threatening injuries. They were both taken to the hospital where the baby later died.
The investigation is still ongoing. Ortiz was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, aggravated assault and aggravated driving under the influence.
Mikenzie Hammel joined the KGUN 9 team as a multimedia journalist in the summer of 2023. She graduated from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. With her passion for human connection and visual storytelling, Mikenzie is honored to share the stories of Tucson and southeastern Arizona. Share your story ideas and important issues with Mikenzie by emailing mikenzie.hammel@kgun9.com.
