APD Homicide detectives have charged Alexander Ortiz with the murder of Nicole Maldonado on Jan. 17, 2024, outside the Adam Market on east Central Ave, just six days after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan. According to the report, Ortiz was upset with Farfan on the day of the shooting, as revealed by friends and family who spoke to detectives investigating Farfan's murder.

Detectives from the APD's Investigative Support Unit began searching for Ortiz following the murder of Farfan. It was during this search that Ortiz was identified as a suspect in the murder of Maldonado. Ortiz was tracked down to a residence near the Adam Food Market on Feb. 21, where he was barricaded by detectives and later taken into custody by SWAT officers.

After his arrest for Farfan's murder, a search of the residence led to the discovery of multiple parts of a .40 caliber handgun, including magazines and ammunition, which were found to be similar to those used in Maldonado's murder at the Adam Food Market. As a result, Ortiz is now facing a slew of charges related to Maldonado's death, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder resulting in death, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence.

The authorities have moved swiftly to hold Ortiz accountable for both tragic incidents, shedding light on the alleged violent nature of his relationship with Farfan and the subsequent events that led to the loss of two lives.