Carlos Ortega, a very bright, successful businessman, had earned $12,770 from his computer business in 1966 - at age 16! (Remember, a new Chevrolet only cost $2,500 in 1966.) Considered 'tall, dark and handsome' by the girls at high school, one, Ann O'Grady, was strongly attracted to Carlos. The feeling was mutual.
Ron Rossetti, the 16 year old son of a local cop. wanted Ann for himself. Carlos, to Ron, was just another 'dirty Mex' and had no right to date an Irish girl, much more marry her. Ron's anger, initially displayed by vandalism, culminated in the murder of Ann.
A very 'anti-Mex' police force and district attorney persuaded the jury that Carlos was guilty. The judge sentenced him to life without parole.
Carlos and Ann had a daughter, Maria. She was determined to prove her father innocent. Read how her smarts and tenacity actually accomplished it - but it took twenty years!
