Dahud Hanid Ortiz, a former Marine released through diplomatic efforts of the State Department despite his conviction for triple murder, had concrete reasons for returning to North Carolina.
Reporting by: La Tabla/Data Journalism Platform 5 AUGUST 2025
A thorough investigation by La Tabla uncovers two main ties linking him to the state: a daughter finishing her studies and a family property that remains in the family. When captured in Venezuela in 2017, Ortiz carried the birth certificate of a young woman who is now 24 years old. The young lady – whose identity we protect for ethical reasons – was studying nursing at a university in North Carolina and graduated last year. This paternal connection serves as a central motivation for his return, confirmed through OSINT techniques that cross-referenced official documents with academic records.
The second draw was a house located in Raeford (131 Thornbird Dr), purchased in July 2008 for $126,500 while Ortiz was an active-duty military member stationed in Germany. The purchase was tainted by fraud: he secured a military subsidy of $87,000 – 70% of the value – under the pretense that his family resided in the U.S. This crime led to his expulsion from the Army.
The property, measuring 148 m² with three bedrooms, was solely in the name of his wife Irina Tripel in April 2014 during the fraud investigation. Today, it is valued at $245,000 and remains in her possession.
Records suggest that Ortiz may still retain rights to the house, as there is no evidence of divorce. Both elements – his bond with his daughter and this real estate investment – sketch a map of interests that explains his persistent urge to return.