The family of Ruby Garcia, the murder victim from Michigan, expressed their shock on Tuesday when they watched Donald Trump announce that he had spoken with them. According to the family, this statement came as a surprise because they claim that no such conversation had taken place.
During a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Trump brought up the tragic death of Garcia, emphasizing the fact that Brandon Ortiz-Vite, who the police confirmed to be in the U.S. illegally, has been charged with her murder.
“Ruby’s loved ones and community are mourning the loss of this extraordinary young woman. Those who knew her remember her for her infectious laughter, and how she had the ability to brighten up any room she walked into,” Trump expressed. “I’ve spoken to some of her family, and it’s clear that her presence was cherished by many.”
Garcia’s sister, Mavi Garcia, contradicted this claim in an interview with local NBC affiliate Target 8.
“It was quite shocking to see that he claimed to have spoken with us when he hadn’t communicated with any of us,” expressed Garcia, the family spokesperson, in response to Trump’s statement on live TV. She also clarified to Fox17 that none of her relatives had been in contact with Trump.”
The Daily Beast reached out to the Trump campaign for comment, but they did not respond.
Garcia expressed his criticism towards Trump’s repeated mentions of crimes committed by immigrants who were residing in the United States unlawfully.
“It has always been centered around undocumented immigrants,” she expressed to Target 8. “It’s quite surprising that he only mentions the actions of the undocumented. Nobody really discusses when American citizens commit atrocious crimes. What about those Americans who engage in heinous acts like that?”
During his remarks on Tuesday, Trump made an error in stating Ruby Garcia’s age. According to the Associated Press, Garcia is actually 25 years old, not 17.
