Brandon Ortiz-Vite: Illegal immigrant arrested for fatal shooting of Michigan woman during carjacking

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN: Brandon Ortiz-Vite, an illegal immigrant, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old woman from Michigan during a carjacking incident in Grand Rapids.

The victim, Ruby Garcia, was allegedly shot and killed, with her body discovered at the side of highway US 131.

Brandon Ortiz-Vite faces multiple charges in connection with Ruby Garcia's death

Michigan State Police are currently investigating Ruby's death, suspecting that she may have been the victim of a carjacking that occurred late Friday night, March 22. Ortiz-Vite, 25, was taken into custody, and while law enforcement has not disclosed specific details about him, they have confirmed his arrest in connection with the case.

Ortiz-Vite is expected to face an array of charges, including homicide/open murder, carjacking, felony firearm possession, illegally carrying a concealed weapon, operating while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended or revoked license, per Daily Mail. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.

Ruby Garcia's sister mourns loss

Describing Ruby as "a great person all around," her sister Mavi Garcia paid tribute to her vibrant spirit, highlighting her love for travel, dedication to work, and devotion to family. "She would brighten up the room with her beautiful smile and laugh," Garcia penned on Facebook.

"She loved to travel, was dedicated to her work and enjoyed being with her family on her free time. She was a great daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She will be remembered as being full of life and laughter, those who were around her would know she was silly and made everyone laugh," she added. 

Inquiry over relationship between Ruby Garcia and Brandon Ortiz-Vite

Amidst the sorrow, questions linger about the relationship between Ruby and Ortiz-Vite, who hails from Puebla, Mexico. Garcia declined to provide details but noted that Ortiz-Vite was in the United States illegally. Meanwhile, Garcia's family is grappling with the loss, rallying support through a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses.

"Her loss has impacted the lives of many people," Garcia added. "Her life was taken too soon. She deserved to live life, travel the world, have kids and follow her dreams."