RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The parents of a 16-year-old who is accused of fatally shooting another 16-year-old in Asheboro are being charged with accessory after the fact, according to the Asheboro Police Department.
The shooting
At around 9:30 p.m. on May 3, officers came to the area of North Asheboro Park on Canoy Drive after getting a report of gunshots in the area.
As police were on their way to the scene, an off-duty officer who was working at a local hospital reported that a gunshot victim had arrived via personal vehicle.
The victim, 16-year-old Pedro Ortiz-Perez, had been shot in the jaw/neck area by another 16-year-old boy who was standing outside of the vehicle.
Police said on May 3, that Ortiz-Perez was not the intended target of the shooting and was in critical condition.
A secure custody order was obtained for the juvenile suspect. However, those initial attempts at locating him were unsuccessful.
Search for the teen suspect
Investigators later determined that the teen suspect was staying at a home in Statesville.
At around 10:30 a.m. on May 10, Asheboro officers took the suspect into custody with the assistance of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Greensboro Police Department.
The teen suspect was taken to a juvenile detention facility while Ortiz-Perez remained in critical condition as a result of the shooting.
Victim dies as a result of injuries
Ortiz-Perez died as a result of injuries he sustained from the shooting on May 14. As a result, police announced their intention to present upgraded charges to the grand jury for an indictment.
Ortiz-Perez was a sophom*ore soccer player at Southwestern Randolph High School.
“Pedro was not just a talented player but also a kind-hearted and enthusiastic young man. His passion for the game was infectious, and he brought a positive energy to every practice and game. As a coach, seeing Pedro and his teammates on the field was always a source of pride for me.”
Statement from SWRHS Soccer
The team says that their upcoming season will be dedicated to him.
“Every match, every goal, and every victory will be dedicated to his memory. His absence on the field will be felt deeply, but his spirit will inspire us to play with heart and determination.”
Statement from SWRHS Soccer
You can read the soccer team’s full statement below:
“Coaching a high school soccer team is a rewarding yet challenging experience that comes with its share of highs and lows. One of the toughest moments a coach can face is dealing with the sudden loss of a player, Pedro, a member of our SWR Soccer team.
“Pedro was not just a talented player but also a kind-hearted and enthusiastic young man. His passion for the game was infectious, and he brought a positive energy to every practice and game. As a coach, seeing Pedro and his teammates on the field was always a source of pride for me.
“However, when Pedro passed away, yesterday. The news sent shockwaves through our team andSouthwestern Randolph High School, leaving us devastated and struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone so young and full of life.
“As coaches, our role extends beyond tactics and training. We have to guide our players through a period of grief and help them navigate the emotions that come with losing a teammate and friend. We will lean on each other for strength, finding comfort in our shared love for the game and our shared memories of Pedro. The soccer field, once a place of competition, will become a space for healing and remembrance.
“In honoring Pedro, we dedicated next season to him. Every match, every goal, and every victory will be dedicated to his memory. His absence on the field will be felt deeply, but his spirit will inspire us to play with heart and determination.
“Pedro may no longer be with us in person, but his spirit lives on in the bonds we’ve formed and the lessons we’ve learned. As we continue our journey, we carry his memory with us, a constant reminder of the impact one person can have on a team and a community.
“Pedro would tell me, ‘I got you coach.’
#8 We got you! Your teammates and coaches love you and promise to keep your spirit alive in our hearts!”
Statement from SWRHS Soccer
22 of Ortiz-Perez’s soccer teammates were at his bedside when he passed away
Randolph County School System Superintendent Dr. Stephen Gainey released a statement to students saying that Ortiz-Perez was “a very special member of the Randolph County School System Family,” and that “he was dearly loved by his classmates and the staff members at Southwestern Randolph High School.”
His parents tell FOX8 that their son was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“The hardest thing was seeing him lay in the bed not moving at all,” his mother, Maria Perez said. “To see him laying like he was … was … very difficult.”
His parents say they’re proud that their son is saving the lives of eight others since he is an organ donor.
“It shows how big his heart is, and he didn’t know he chose this and how soon it would’ve been. He got his learner’s permit, so he did the organ donation through the DMV. He did this on a Thursday, and this incident happened on a Friday,” Maria Perez said.
His parents say Ortiz-Perez will not be truly able to rest until someone is held accountable for his death.
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Teen suspect’s parents charged
On Thursday, Asheboro police obtained warrants for the parents of the teen suspect accused of killing Ortiz-Perez for aiding the juvenile in evading arrest in the week that followed the shooting.
The teen suspect’s mother, 43-year-old Denisse Vera-Covarrubias, was found at her home and taken into custody. She was charged with felony accessory after the fact and given a $25,000 secured bond.
The suspect’s father, 38-year-old Alfredo Martinez Ramirez, turned himself in to authorities and was charged with felony accessory after the fact and given a $30,000 secured bond.
