DuPage County, IL — In loving memory of 21-year-old Claudia Mojarrieta-Matos, whose life was tragically lost early Saturday morning, a DuPage County judge has ordered that the man accused in her death remain behind bars pending trial, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Judge Joshua Dieden denied pre-trial release for Santino Ortiz, 22, of Elmhurst, after prosecutors filed a motion requesting continued detention based on the severity of the case. Ortiz is facing six counts of first-degree murder, along with one count of armed robbery and one count of concealment of homicidal death.

Authorities say Elmhurst police discovered Mojarrieta-Matos early Saturday following a call for assistance, though investigators have not yet released full details on what led to the incident. Prosecutors argued that the nature of the charges and the potential threat to public safety warranted keeping Ortiz in custody while the investigation continues.

The judge agreed, granting the State’s request and ordering Ortiz held as the case moves forward under Illinois’ pre-trial detention guidelines.

Law enforcement officials have not disclosed additional information surrounding the alleged robbery or the concealment charge, citing the active status of the investigation. More updates are expected as evidence is reviewed and future court hearings are scheduled.

The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Claudia Mojarrieta-Matos, recognizing the heartbreaking impact of her loss on the community.