An Elmhurst man stands accused of the brutal murder of a young woman, with a judge denying his pre-trial release. Santino Ortiz, 22, faces charges for the killing of Claudia Mojarrieta-Matos, 21, following her disappearance in the early hours of December 6. According to statements from DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean, obtained by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Ortiz has been charged with six counts of First Degree Murder, among other felonies.
Details from the case reveal that Mojarrieta-Matos was allegedly solicited for prostitution by Ortiz and was later found murdered. The State asserts that Ortiz led the victim to his garage on W. Lorraine Avenue, where the alleged attack occurred. Reports included in the charges suggest a violent struggle, with Ortiz accused of forcibly slamming Mojarrieta-Matos' head to the ground and stabbing her multiple times. Her body was then concealed and discarded in a rural area. The autopsy confirmed the infliction of approximately seven stab wounds to her face and head. The victim's presence was brought to attention following a 911 call by an individual who reported hearing a struggle over the phone.
Rober Berlin expressed his condolences, stating, "I offer my sincere condolences to Claudia’s family and friends as they attempt to process this horrific loss.” Berlin continued, denouncing the nature of the crime and assured that such violence "will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." The commendation extended to the local police department as well, for their expedited apprehension of Ortiz, a mere twelve hours after the initial emergency call.
Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean offered his department's appreciation for the involvement of other agencies and conveyed his support to the victim’s family and friends. McLean said, “We remain committed to supporting them as this case moves forward.” The shared investigative efforts were key in locating Mojarrieta-Matos and placing Ortiz under arrest. Ortiz, whose residence is noted to be just one block parallel north of where Mojarrieta-Matos was dropped off, is scheduled for his next court appearance on January 5, 2026.
The coverage surrounding this case serves as a somber reminder that the accounts and charges presented are not evidence of guilt. Ortiz maintains the presumption of innocence as his case proceeds to trial where the burden rests on the government to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
