HUNTSVILLE, AL—
A high-profile court appearance ends with an apology for a tragedy that rocked South Huntsville.Felix Ortega made his first public court appearance Wednesday morning in a Madison County courtroom. He's accused of driving drunk and killing 16 year-old Leigh Anna Jimmerson and 19 year-old Tad Mattle in a fiery car wreck last April. After sitting silently for almost two hours, Ortega exited the chambers and issued a simple, but stunning apology to the cameras.
"I'm sorry," said Ortega. "It was an accident."
Authorities say Ortega led Huntsville police on a high-speed chase for several miles before coming to a sudden and violent end at the corner of Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive. The crash was so violent that the victims' car ended up going up in flames. Tad Mattle's parents were inside the courtroom Wednesday, with his mother weeping silently during parts of the testimony.
"If you try to put yourselves in their shoes you really cannot fathom it," said Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard, who is prosecuting the case. "My heart goes out to them, and I know this is difficult. You have to feel for them. I can't speak for Ortega..We'll be ready for trial if that's the route it goes."
Wednesday's testimony was part of a scheduled preliminary hearing, and unveiled some surprising new facts on the case. Investigators testified that Ortega's blood-alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit, and that he had a passenger with him who was relatively unhurt in the wreck. Investigators also testified that during questioning Ortega apologized for the wreck. The case now goes to the grand jury which will decide whether or not to indict Ortega on counts of reckless murder.
