No Bail in Chelsea DV Murder
BOSTON, December 21, 2021—The man accused of killing 47-year-old Paula Andrea Ortiz Ramirez at her Chelsea home earlier this month was arraigned today in an area hospital in connection with the deadly act of domestic violence, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
MARIO ALBERTO MIRA LOPERA, 48, has been hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital since December 11, 2021, when members of the Chelsea Police Department and emergency medical personnel located him suffering from life-threatening injuries inside the Stockton Street apartment where he allegedly murdered Ms. Ortiz. He underwent lifesaving treatment and, yesterday, was medically cleared to take part in the arraignment. He remains hospitalized.
During today’s proceeding, which was held via Zoom, Assistant District Attorney Erin Murphy of District Attorney Rollins’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit (DVSAU) requested that Mr. Mira remain held without bail for the pendency of the case. Defense Attorney Stephen Weymouth did not oppose the request, which was granted by Chelsea District Court Judge Jane Prince.
No facts of the homicide were described on the record during the proceeding.
Members of the Chelsea Police Department responded to the victim’s Stockton Street apartment at approximately 4:21 p.m. on December 11, 2021. There, they located Ms. Ortiz, who had suffered multiple stab and slash wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Responding officers also located Ms. Ortiz’ estranged husband, Mr. Mira, at the apartment. He was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with life-threatening wounds. He remained hospitalized for lifesaving treatment as State Police detectives assigned to District Attorney Rollins’s office began a homicide investigation, which led to charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon against Mr. Mira.
“Yesterday, I had the honor of taking part in a vigil alongside members of the Chelsea community and the sister and children of the victim to remember Ms. Ortiz and taking a stand against domestic violence. I had the opportunity to speak with the son and daughter of the victim, who lost their mother during this act of domestic violence. Even more traumatizing and devastating, their father is accused of the murder. In an instant, this family was forever changed. My office will be available to them as they grieve and begin to move through the criminal prosecution,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Domestic violence is the ultimate betrayal. A person who professes to love or care for you, is causing you anguish and pain. There is often shame and isolation during the period of violence. I want the community to know that my office is available to assist anyone who has been abused by a partner or family member, or who believes someone they love is the victim of abuse. Call on us. We will get you information about resources, treatment and services at any and every stage a domestic violence victim my find themselves. We want you healthy and alive.”
The victims of any crime, including domestic violence, should call 911 in an emergency. SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages.
ADA Murphy is prosecuting the case alongside ADA Ian Polumbaum, Chief of District Attorney Rollins’ DVSAU. Bilingual Victim Witness Advocate Edith Ayuso of the District Attorney’s Homicide Unit is also assigned to the case. Mr. Mira is represented by attorney Stephen Weymouth. The case will return to court on January 25, 2022.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.