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Man wanted for murder in Massachusetts captured in Dunkirk

Kennie Mota-Cruz

OBSERVER Staff Report

A fatal shooting in Worcester Ma. lead to the apprehension of Kennie Mota-Cruz, 25 in Dunkirk Thursday.

On Aug. 24 at 7:40 p.m. police in Worcester responded to shots fired on Everard Street. Upon arrival, patrol discovered the body of Jose Ortiz, 42 in the hallway of a building with a gun shot wound to the head.

Worcester Police Lt. Sean Murtha confirmed that Mota-Cruz, was wanted in connection with Ortiz’s death according the Telegram & Gazette newspaper.

A warrant was issued last week, charging Mota-Cruz with multiple crimes including armed assault with intent to murder, aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition.

He remained at large before being located on South Roberts Road, near East Second Street. The Dunkirk Police Department, assisted by agents of the U.S. Marshall’s office, secured Mota-Cruz, who is now currently being held at the Chautauqua County Jail awaiting extradition proceedings; he is also due to appear Wednesday in Dunkirk City Court on a fugitive from justice charge, according to Lt. Murtha.

According to court documents, investigators were told that Mota-Cruz and another man, Chayenne Markland, went to Everard Street that night to collect a debt from Ortiz and that Mota-Cruz and the victim argued before the fatal shooting.

Two other Worcester men have been charged as accessories in the case.

MOTA CRUZ pic

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