POUGHKEEPSIE – Nestor Ortiz-Ocampo, the 18-year-old who allegedly fatally stabbed an Arlington High School student at a football game in September of 2021 was in Dutchess County Court on Thursday. County Court Judge Jessica Segal’s courtroom was at capacity, including a number of Ortiz-Ocampo’s supporters.
Thursday’s appearance brought Ortiz-Ocampo, his attorney, and prosecutors to court for a conference and a decision on an omnibus motion made by the Ortiz-Ocampo defense team.
The omnibus motion contained several pre-trial motions that were submitted. When the case was adjourned, the defendant’s supporters erupted with shouts of “I love you” as he was quickly removed from the courtroom and returned to jail.
Ortiz-Ocampo is represented by Bruce Barket of Long Island. Barket is known for being the attorney that secured the release of the “Long Island Lolita,” Amy Fisher, from prison earlier than her sentence required. Bureau Chief Frank Petramale of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Pre-trial hearings are scheduled for April 27, 2022.
Ortiz-Ocampo had been arrested by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly killing 16-year-old Quraan Smith by stabbing him in the chest after a football game at Arlington High School.
He was indicted on the felonies of murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon on November 5 by a Dutchess County Grand Jury. After being arraigned by Judge Segal, he was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail, $1 million secured bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond.
