A Stanfield man accused of killing his girlfriend in front of her children in 2022 has been indicted on a charge of first-degree murder, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office announced today.

A grand jury indicted Ismael Ortega Hernandez, 35, in the November 2022 shooting death of his girlfriend at a home near State Route 347 in unincorporated Maricopa. He is being held on a $1 million cash bond and is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 8 in Pinal County Superior Court.

For months this summer, Ortega Hernandez, a Mexican national, was the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Most Wanted Fugitive.

Authorities say Ortega Hernandez allegedly shot Julieta Marin Amador, 30, twice in front of her two young children and her 12-year-old sister. He then fled the home on Padilla Road on foot, leaving behind his cell phone.

The killing sparked a manhunt that stretched across state lines. Investigators later revealed Ortega Hernandez had a history of domestic violence against the victim and was ordered to be deported from the U.S. in 2011 after an aggravated felony drug conviction.

Ortega Hernandez was arrested Aug. 6 in Denver, Colo., for DUI under a false name. His fingerprints confirmed his identity, and ICE placed a hold on him to prevent deportation. He was transferred to Arizona and taken into custody by Pinal County detectives.

“This was an extremely complex case involving multiple agencies across state lines and coordination with federal authorities,” Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller said. “Thanks to their persistence and dedication, we are one step closer to achieving justice for the victim, her children and our community.”

At the time of the killing, Ortega Hernandez was considered armed and dangerous.

“He ran. He crossed borders. He thought he’d disappear,” said ICE officials in a statement about the recent arrest of Ortega Hernandez in Colorado. “This is why ICE exists. This is why borders matter. And this is why every single criminal alien should be on the radar.”