Two Arrested in Gruesome Murder of Missing Man Found Beneath Burrillville Deck
A man and a woman have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 60-year-old Domingo Ortiz, whose body was discovered Friday encased beneath newly poured concrete at a residence in Burrillville, Rhode Island. The chilling discovery comes nearly a month after Ortiz was reported missing.
According to authorities, Steven Pietrowicz, 39, of Burrillville, was arraigned Monday in Providence District Court on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and obstruction of a police officer. He was ordered held without bail.
The investigation intensified after Ortiz — a Worcester, Massachusetts resident — was reported missing on May 5. He was last seen alive at Pietrowicz’s home, where he had reportedly visited. On May 21, officers responded to a call at the same address and found evidence of a domestic assault involving a woman later identified as Michelle Morin, 40.
Morin was arrested late Saturday in Worcester, MA and waived extradition to Rhode Island, where she will also face a murder charge.
Police say the home where Ortiz’s body was found had previously been the subject of a drug raid in 2024, though officials stress that the current charges are unrelated to that case.
A bail hearing for Pietrowicz has been scheduled for June 15, as investigators continue to piece together the events leading to Ortiz’s death. Law enforcement has not yet disclosed a motive or how the suspects allegedly killed Ortiz.
This case has sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Burrillville, a northern Rhode Island town where such violent crimes are rare.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Rhode Island State Police.
