Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of LUIS ORTEGA, 50, for allegedly robbing and assaulting the 66-year-old owner of Daniels Wilhelmina Funeral Home in Harlem. ORTEGA is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Robbery in the First Degree, two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, and one count of Assault in the Third Degree. [1] 

“As alleged, Luis Ortega maliciously robbed and assaulted the 66-year-old owner of a funeral home in a coordinated and brazen attack. The victim in this case provides vital support for people who are often facing immense tragedies, and I hope he can continue to recover from his injuries,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I encourage any members of the public who have additional information about this incident to call 212-690-6315.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, at approximately 3:00 pm on February 17, 2025, ORTEGA met up with an unapprehended individual outside of the funeral home located on West 131st Street. ORTEGA stayed outside while the individual entered the home under the guise of being a mourner, pretending to inquire about making funeral arrangements for his brother. 

ORTEGA eventually entered the funeral home and they both donned masks and began to repeatedly punch the victim. They then took him to the back room and demanded money, with the unapprehended individual brandishing a machete. 

ORTEGA took the victim’s computer, phone, and wallet. 

The victim suffered a cut to his lip, bruising and pain to his face and body. ORTEGA was arrested approximately three weeks later, on March 5, 2025, in the Bronx. The other individual remains unknown and unapprehended. 

Assistant D.A. Zachary Kotin (Trial Bureau 70) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Brian Greaige of the 32nd Precinct Detective Squad. 

Defendant Information:

LUIS ORTEGA 

Brooklyn, NY 

Charged:

• Robbery in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Robbery in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony, two counts
• Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.