Miguel Angel Ortiz Jr., 38, was convicted by a Hidalgo County jury this week for his role in the death of his 2-month-old son, ending a case that shocked investigators with its disturbing details of neglect and delay in reporting the infant's death.
Background
The tragedy unfolded in June 2025 when Pharr Police Department officers responded to a wellness check at a residence on East Sam Houston Boulevard in Pharr, Texas. The city sits in the Lower Rio Grande Valley metro area. Authorities were alerted after one of Ortiz's friends reported that he "claimed his infant son had died three days prior," according to police.
When officers arrived, they discovered the infant deceased inside the home. An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner revealed extensive injuries, including bruising to the child's skull, chest, and buttocks. Investigators also noted "signs of decomposition" on the body, indicating the infant had been dead for a significant period before being found.
On the day of the discovery, the child's mother, Karina Aidee Ramirez, 35, walked out of the residence carrying her dead child "wrapped in blankets," police said in a press release. The manner in which the couple handled their son's corpse became central to the prosecution's case.
As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered that Ortiz and Ramirez had an active Child Protective Services case pending at the time of the infant's death, suggesting authorities were already monitoring the family for potential abuse or neglect issues.
The Charges
Ortiz faced multiple charges related to his infant son's death. On Tuesday, a Hidalgo County jury found him guilty of one count of injury to a child by omission. The charge centers on the failure to provide necessary care or protection that resulted in harm to the child.
However, the jury acquitted Ortiz of more severe charges, including capital murder of a person under 10 years of age, murder, injury to a child, and aggravated assault of a family member. Jail records confirm the verdict.
In a related case, Ortiz was also charged with possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence. The tampering charge was later dismissed by prosecutors, while the drug possession charge remains part of his criminal history.
Ramirez, the child's mother, continues to face separate charges including capital murder of a child under 10 years old, injury to a child, and endangering a child. She is detained on a combined $350,000 bond and has a hearing scheduled in her case.
Both parents have been incarcerated at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center since June 23, 2025. Ortiz remains behind bars pending his sentencing hearing.
Key Takeaways
- Miguel Angel Ortiz Jr., 38, was convicted of injury to a child by omission in the death of his 2-month-old son
- The jury recommended a 30-year state prison sentence, though the final decision rests with the presiding judge
- Investigators discovered the infant had been dead for approximately three days before police were alerted
- Autopsy findings included bruising to the skull, chest, and buttocks, plus signs of decomposition
- The couple had an active Child Protective Services case pending at the time of the infant's death
- Ortiz was acquitted of capital murder, murder, injury to a child, and aggravated assault charges
What's Next
Ortiz's sentencing, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been pushed back to next week. While the jury recommended 30 years in state prison, Judge Manuel "Manny" Reza will determine the final sentence. The delay gives prosecutors and defense attorneys time to prepare additional sentencing documentation.
Ramirez is scheduled to appear in court on June 15 for a hearing in her separate case, where she faces more serious charges including capital murder of a child under 10 years old. Her trial remains ongoing as authorities continue building their case against the child's mother.