4 arrested in connection to death of Houston County 16-year-old

CROCKETT, Texas (KETK) – The Houston County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two adults and two juveniles in connection with the case of Michael Ortiz, who was found dead near Crockett.

Ortiz’s body was found on County Road 4020 outside of Crockett on May 2. That’s when the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Crockett Police Department and the Texas Rangers started investigating his death.

They gathered evidence and conducted interviews until nearly 4 a.m. after finding Ortiz’s body. According to the sheriff’s office, investigators worked on May 3 and May 4 to interview potential persons of interest before they seized a vehicle of interest on May 5.

On May 6, investigators seized two more vehicles they believe are connected to Ortiz’s death. According to a post from Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge, the two adults and the two juveniles connected to the case were also arrested on that same day.

“We are actively working to finish up this case and bring those who are responsible to justice,” Benge said. “We would like to thank the other agencies that have helped us tremendously.”

Benge thanked the Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General and the Crockett Police Department for their assistance in the case. He added that they’re searching for more people suspected of being involved in Ortiz’s death.