Man who killed pregnant girlfriend convicted of capital murder

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — A man who killed his pregnant girlfriend was convicted of capital murder.

A jury found John Paul Ortega guilty on Thursday. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ortega stabbed Iliana Michelle Garza in November 2022.

The murder happened in the parking lot of the Toot'n Totum at I-40 and Lakeside Drive.

Ortega was initially charged with murder.

When police learned Garza was pregnant, charges were upgraded.

Ortega was released from prison five months before the murder after serving 15-years for sexual assault of a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault against a public servant, possession of a controlled substance and cruelty to animals.

Garza had three kids and was pregnant with a fourth.