Three Individuals Charged with Carjacking and Firearms Offenses in Death of DRNA Rangers Félix Rodríguez Gómez and Kenneth Omar Betancourt Death Penalty Eligible Case

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico
March 24, 2010

SAN JUAN, PR—Jonathan Ortiz Torres, Ángel Santana Espinet, and Leroy Rosado Santana were charged today in a four-count criminal complaint for the carjacking murder of Félix Rodríguez Gómez and Kenneth Omar Betancourt, announced today Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

The Complaint charges Jonathan Ortiz Torres and Ángel Santana Espinet with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(3) (carjacking murder); and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(C)(1)(A)(iii) and 2 (using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime). A third defendant, Leroy Rosado Santana is also charged with Ortiz Torres and Santana Espinet for possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j). Rosado Santana also faces one count for being an accessory after the fact, under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3.

According to the complaint, on March 23, 2010, Ortiz Torres and Santana Espinet, aiding and abetting each other, by force, violence, and intimidation, did take a wine-colored 2009 Toyota Tacoma from the person or presence of Félix Rodríguez Gómez and Kenneth Omar Betancourt, who were both Rangers with the Department of Natural Resources (DRNA), by firing a firearm against two victims. Rodríguez Gómez and Betancourt Camacho were killed during the shooting. The defendants fled the scene but were later arrested by PRPD agents after a high speed chase. If convicted, Ortiz Torres and Santana Espinet could face the death penalty.

“The filing of federal charges against these violent criminals is a perfect example of the results which can be obtained when state and federal agencies collaborate from the beginning of an investigation. The protocols established under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding were immediately activated by PRPD Superintendent Figueroa Sancha. Federal and state prosecutors, along with law enforcement agents, worked this crime scene together. Today, we see the results of this teamwork, and those responsible for these senseless acts of violence will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The case is being investigated by FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department and is being prosecuted by the Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit, Assistant United States Attorney Warren Vázquez, and Senior Litigation Counsel, AUSA Antonio R. Bazán.

Criminal complaints are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.