Nicolás Ortiz

Nicolas Ortiz; Born in Zacatecas, Mexico in 1618, he came to New Mexico in 1634. He Married Maria de Bustillo, niece of Antonio Baca, whom he accused of infidelity with Governor Rosas while he was away with the Santa Fe-Mexico City wagon train. Upon his return from Mexico City in 1642, his wife was visibly pregnant. On January 25, 1742, Nicolas murdered Governor Rosas. After being acquitted in Santa Fe, he was sent to Mexico City for a final verdict. But alas, he was arrested by the Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, (retired), and sentenced to hang. However he escaped from prison and was not heard from again.

Born in Zacatecas, Mexico in 1618, he came to New Mexico as a soldier in 1634, when he was sixteen. He later married María de Bustillo, a daughter of Simón de Bustillo and Juana de Zamora, a sister of Antonio Baca. In 1637 Ortiz was sent away on escort duty with the return trip of the Santa Fe-Mexico City wagon train that had brought the new Governor Luis Rosas to New Mexico. Rosas may deliberately have kept Ortiz in Mexico City so he could romance his wife. Upon Ortiz’ return from Mexico City in 1641, accompanying yet another new governor, his wife was visibly pregnant. On January 25, 1642, Nicolás murdered ex-Governor Rosas with the assistance of other anti-Rosas men. After being acquitted in Santa Fe, he was sent to Mexico City for a final verdict. But he was arrested by the retired Governor of Nueva Vizcaya and sentenced to hang. He escaped from prison and was not heard from again. It is not known what became of María and her baby after the assassination.