Virginia Beach Woman to Stand Trial Following Confrontation with Police Over Stolen Car
Jacqueline Ortiz-Whitaker, a 20-year-old woman, is set to stand trial in Virginia Beach after a confrontation with police over a stolen car, during which her husband was shot and killed.
The incident occurred in November 2022 at a shopping center on Newtown Road.
During a preliminary hearing, charges were certified against Ortiz-Whitaker, including the use of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.
Prosecutors presented evidence from the incident, including a video from the officer’s body and dash cameras.
The footage showed a police officer confronting the couple after spotting them in a stolen black Dodge sedan.
The officer attempted to detain Ortiz-Whitaker after discovering the couple driving a stolen car, but her husband, DeSean Whitaker, pointed a gun at the officer.
The officer fired several shots, killing DeSean Whitaker.
Ortiz-Whitaker’s attorney argued that she reached for the gun to check if the safety was on and that she had a chance to shoot the officer but did not.
However, the prosecutor pointed to the officer’s testimony, which indicated that Ortiz-Whitaker continually tried to raise the gun as she and the officer struggled.
Ortiz-Whitaker will also have to face five misdemeanor charges in addition to the felony charges.
Her trial is set for May 3rd, and each felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years.
