Known for His role in “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” actor Johnny Ortiz, 24, is facing Chargers of premeditated attempted murder. He is currently being held on a $1.1 million bail, along with his co-defendant Armando Miguel Navarro. They both appeared before a judge on July 20, 2020, and will be held until their preliminary hearing on September 22. They are being accused of trying to murder Brian Duke.
Sources say that the two attempted to kill “at the direction of… a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote and assist criminal conduct by gang members”. Allegedly, Navarro was the one who pulled the trigger to the handgun that shot Mr.Duke, which is why he is being held on bail of $2 million.
The Actor could face 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted. Ortiz family has started a crowdfunding page. To help raise bail money. They believe he is innocent but add in his support, “Johnny has contributed to many non-profit organizations and community organizations. He is in jail fighting for his case that he is innocent. We want our beloved family member 
back with us.”
Ortiz’s role in the situation is unclear. Both men were arrested on May 25 by the Los Angeles Police Department: Hollenbeck Division. A day after the attempt on Duke’s Life. They were originally arrested on a criminal complaint by the Los Angeles DA.
Ortiz had a reputation for playing in films that had a deeper meaning to them. The Actor has been in many groundbreaking films, like HBO’s “Icebox.” A Film surrounding a young boy who was forced to join a gang and cross the border into America. Throughout the film, he is fighting in court to become a citizen. Ortiz plays as a side character named Felipe.
He also played in “McFarland USA.” A film surrounding young Latino Boys growing up in poverty. They are helping provide for there families by working in fields. That is, until one day they get the opportunity to join a track team and go cross country.
Ortiz family has also stated, “Johnny does everything to help the community and the Hispanic community especially.” When he was arrested it was a shock to close friends and family members. Not much has been released about the trial. So far the funding page has only raised a few hundred dollars.
Written by Trinity Simmons-Brooks
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Source:
Yahoo!: ‘El Camino: Breaking Bad’ actor charged with attempted murder
Fox News: Johnny Ortiz, ‘McFarland USA’ actor, charged with attempted murder
Daily News: Actor Johnny Ortiz charged with gang-related attempted murder: report
Featured and Inline Image courtesy of Walt Disney Television’s Flikr Page – Creative Commons
