Deschutes DA: Redmond teens plotted mom’s murder for weeks

Two Redmond 17-year-olds, Dakota Ortwein and Reyanne West, spent weeks plotting to kill Ortwein’s mother, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Tuesday.

“We’ve confiscated the cellphones and computers from these kids, and they were communicating extensively back and forth,” Hummel told NewsChannel 21.

The mother survived her injuries, and the teens are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, second-degree assault and attempted murder. They’re being charged as adults, under Measure 11.

“The injuries were serious, and the actions of these two kids were significant,” Hummel said.

Because the investigation is ongoing, the DA’s office is only releasing limited information on the case.

The incident happened last Thursday and neighbors were shocked, especially because it’s known to be a quiet neighborhood.

“I looked out the window and saw police officers pull up,” said neighbor Cherell Evans.

Evans said she walked over to her neighbor’s house to see what was going on but police turned her away, saying the house was full of pepper spray.

“I couldn’t believe that this was happening,” Evans said.

Police arrested the two teens.

“Information emerged quickly that he (Ortwein) had taken a baseball bat to her,” Evans said.

The DA did not confirm what weapon was used in the attack.

The mother walked over to Evans who said she was in bad shape.

“When she was on the steps she said: ‘He tried to kill me,” Evans said.

Evans said Ortwein seemed like a good kid.

“I just didn’t see it coming,” Evans said.

The mother was later released from the hospital, physically OK. But Evans said she will have emotional wounds that won’t heal overnight.

“My heart just hurts for her,” Evans said.