Ortiz was last seen on October 7, 2006 at the Get Happy Bar in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he worked as a bartender. He has never been heard from again. He was not reported missing until November 8, when his landlord asked his family members to clean out his apartment because Ortiz had not paid the rent. On November 18, Ortiz's vehicle was located in the parking lot across from the courthouse. Authorities believe it had been at that location for about two weeks prior to its discovery. Unspecified indications of foul play were discovered inside the car.

Ortiz is described as a reliable worker; it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. He never picked up his last paycheck. Some agencies give the date of his disappearance as September 24, 2006. His case remains unsolved.