Bio

Miguel Rios was born in an undisclosed location and date. As a young man, he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in this city, he likely faced many challenges that could have influenced his later actions.

It is unclear what activities he enjoyed or if he had any aspirations for his future. As an adult, Rios would become involved in criminal activities, but details about how he began to engage in such behavior remain unclear.

Murder Story

On August 27, 1992, Miguel Rios arrived at the home of Jose Ortiz pretending to be a worker from the Philadelphia Gas Works. When Irma Colon answered the door, Rios forced his way inside. He threatened Irma and demanded that she give him the key to let in an accomplice. Rios and his accomplice went to the bedroom where Ortiz, his girlfriend Carmen Colon, and their young child were sleeping.

Rios threatened Irma, insisting that Ortiz open the bedroom door. Once inside, he demanded money, jewelry, and drugs. He forced Ortiz and Irma to the floor, threatening them if they did not comply. During the robbery, Rios assaulted Irma, hitting her in the head with his gun until she became unconscious. Carmen watched as Rios and his accomplice bound Ortiz and beat him. She then heard a gunshot.

After the shooting, both Irma and Carmen were able to identify Rios in a police lineup. He was arrested in October 1992 while hiding in a closet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. On June 17, 1993, a jury found Rios guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

On October 5, 1994, Rios was sentenced to death for the murder of 21-year-old Jose Ortiz. Later, on April 2, 1996, he was sentenced again to death, this time for the murder of Miguel Basilio. On September 19, 1992, Rios and his partner invaded Basilio's home, terrorizing his family before killing him in front of them.