SAN ANTONIO – The proof is hard to observe, however the circle of relatives of a man killed in a 2017 wrong-way crash has waited over part a decade for a jury to peer it.
Armando Ortiz, 28, used to be killed in January 2017 whilst riding on I-35 close to Walzem, consistent with San Antonio police.
Paul Donaldson is accused of being intoxicated and riding the incorrect method on Interstate 35 when he wrecked into Ortiz. He used to be charged with intoxication manslaughter in April 2017, just about 4 months after the crash.
After a number of delays, a reindictment and a transformation of courts — Donaldson is on trial.
Earlier this summer time, Investigates spoke with the Ortiz circle of relatives about their frustrations.
“It’s still kind of disappointing that it took this long,” mentioned Armando Ortiz’s brother, Ricky Ortiz.
In court docket on Tuesday, Donaldson’s protection legal professionals advised jurors, “Not every tragedy is a crime.”
“He killed my brother,” mentioned Ricky Ortiz. “[Donaldson] was driving the wrong way. Whether he was intoxicated or not, he drove the wrong way for several miles.”
Jurors heard from a number of individuals who known as 911 when they mentioned Donaldson drove previous them the incorrect method.
“It was scary,” mentioned one witness. “I didn’t want to die. I know if that car would have hit me, I would have died.”
The Ortiz circle of relatives hopes Donaldson is held answerable for what came about to Armando Ortiz.
Despite what the jury makes a decision, the Ortiz circle of relatives mentioned it gained’t exchange issues for them.
“There is no justice,” mentioned Naomi Ortiz, Armando Ortiz’s sister. “There’s truly no justice in our situation unless you’re going to resurrect my brother.”
If the jury reveals Donaldson accountable, he may just resist two decades in jail.
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