OVIEDO, Fla. — An Oviedo man accepted a plea agreement on a second-degree murder charge in the strangulation death of his mother Wednesday.
Joshua Ortiz was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Seminole County deputies said Ortiz, 21, strangled his mother, Jacqueline Ortiz, in October 2014, and then stole her car and drove to Maryland, where he was arrested.
Joshua Ortiz was originally charged with first-degree murder, but he later pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge.
Photos: Evidence photos in Oviedo woman's killing
Jacqueline Ortiz’s mother spoke at the sentencing.
"I cry for her every day, and I cry for you, and I cry for your brothers. I wish I could make this all go away. I still love you Joshua,” said Anne Anthony. "Our hearts are broken. It is so hard. Every day I miss her."
Prosecutors said 30 years is best for both parties.
"The main concern that he be punished, but also there were several concerns about mental health issues and that is something the department of corrections will address,” said prosecutor Stewart Stone.
Joshua Ortiz’s father said the family tried to get him help for years, but his son’s drug use and mental health took over his life.
“Life is not over. I will always be here for you and I will always love you. I am always going to be your father and we love you very much,” said Carmello Ortiz.
Carmello Ortiz said 30 years was too stiff a punishment.
Joshua Ortiz cried when his brother, Zachery Seymour, spoke.
“You’re still my brother and I love you. I hope that you can get the help you need and that one day, you’ll understand what happened and that you can move forward with your life. I love you,” said Seymour.
Channel 9 found an Oviedo police report that said Joshua Ortiz has a history of mental illness.
In September, after eight months in a state hospital, he was found competent to stand trial.
Joshua Ortiz will be on probation for the rest of his life after serving the 30 years.
Previous stories:
New evidence shows Oviedo man accused of killing mother had cuts to face, arms
Oviedo man arrested in Maryland with slain mother's car had stolen vehicle before
Oviedo man charged with second-degree murder in mother’s death
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