Joshua Orta

Joshua Orta was a key witness in the investigation surrounding the death of Ruben Ray Martinez, who was fatally shot by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in Texas in March 2025. Orta was a passenger in the car driven by Martinez during a Spring Break trip when the shooting occurred. He provided a statement to Martinez's family's lawyers that reportedly contradicted the government's account of the events leading to the shooting. Orta's death in a fiery car crash in San Antonio has brought renewed attention to the case. His death is newsworthy because he was a crucial witness, and his testimony is now unavailable. The grand jury rejected indictments over the shooting. The circumstances surrounding Orta's death may raise further questions about the investigation into Martinez's death and the events of that day.