Miguel Ortega, 48, of Warrenton, was sentenced to life without parole by Presiding Judge Jason Lamb on Dec. 3.
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Miguel Ortega, 48, of Warrenton, was sentenced to life without parole by Presiding Judge Jason Lamb for the murder of his ex-wife Maria Vargas on Dec. 3. That is the maximum sentence for his charges.
Ortega shot and killed Vargas, in May 2021, at a home in Warrenton. The two had recently separated and Ortega had driven to the home after they had an argument over the phone, according to police.
Ortega had been found guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action earlier this year.
He was also sentenced to 15 years to be served consecutively for the charge of armed criminal action.
Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Smith was pleased with the sentence laid down by Lamb and said it was what the prosecution and the victim’s family had been seeking.
She said the defense for Ortega had requested him not to be sentenced for the additional 15 years, a request that was not honored by Lamb.
She also commended the response and investigation by the Warrenton Police Department.
“Hopefully the verdict and sentence gives some measure of justice,” said Smith.
