Effort to collect more information in Asheville artist’s mysterious death gains momentum

Jason Sandford December 12, 2013

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Asheville artist Chris Ortega was found dead in his Coleman Avenue apartment on Oct. 26. Asheville police say Ortega’s death was a homicide, and that he died of asphyxiation. It’s a mysterious case, and his friends and family want help in solving the crime and they’re actively seeking it out.

Ortega worked at Allen’s Jewelry and Pawn, which is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to arrest, in addition to a $2,500 Crime Stoppers reward. If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at (828) 255-5050.

Friends of Ortega have pushed for more media attention to this story. There’s a Chris Ortega memorial page on Facebook. WLOS recently ran a story on Ortega. Ortega’s friends are also posting fliers around Asheville.

Justice for Chris Ortega.

Asvhegas contributor Edwin Arnaudin profiled Ortega for this website last August. Read the Ashvegas Ortega Q&A here.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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3 Comments

H VAn February 2, 2017

Obviously he didn’t deserve to die, but horrible that he was exploiting a minor.

Reply
Tori December 14, 2013

Thank you for doing this article. Chris’s family and friends will not give up!! Justice for Chris!!!!!!!

Reply
Kami Styles December 12, 2013

Here is a link to Chris’s memorial video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m7R42qKdRI

Reply