She said she has been in contact with some of the survivors. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. [3] There is some speculation that the divorce may have been caused by Pardo concealing a child from a previous relationship. Coverage of the latest true crime stories and famous cases explained, as well as the best TV shows, movies and podcasts in the genre. When his divorce was finalized shortly before the holiday, the spousal support ended up being waived as at the time he had lost his job. In the middle of investigating the chaotic scene, police also received a tip from a neighbor. Bruce Pardo, dressed as Santa, shot indiscriminately at partygoers and destroyed his former in-laws' house with a homemade blowtorch, ultimately leaving nine people dead before killing himself. The actor posted the photo to her Twitter account with the caption "I can't remember a thing." While some fans theorized that the photo was a BTS shot of her upcoming starring role in Scream 6, the actor is clearly dressed . Something Deadly For Christmas (129 Knollcrest Drive). [6] His brother was not present in the home at the time of Pardo's death. Her two sisters-in-law and 17-year-old nephew also died. Yuzefpolsky and her husband took in her sister's youngest daughter. Don't give up,'" Yuzefpolsky said. The caller cried, Come immediately! Some of them sometimes swing by the now-empty lot where the murders took place, sure they can still smell the smoke in the air. It was part of a plan triggered by his ex-wife's decision to divorce him. Shes . Two other deaths stemmed from the fire alone. Her sister, Leticia, survived, and told investigators that she recognized Bruce despite the Santa Claus get-up. https://www.facebook.com/itisacrime/posts/1820550921560712. bleeding. One police officer called the crime scene "apocalyptic.". Get all your true crime news from Oxygen. I heard the shots, Leticia told the police dispatcher in the 911 call. The Covina massacre occurred on December 24, 2008, in Covina, a city in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, United States.Nine people were killed, either by gunshot wounds or in an arson fire inside a house at 1129 East Knollcrest Drive, where a Christmas Eve party was being held. Inside the vehicle, police found a Santa suit and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Though the car wasnt rigged, it was packed with supplies including a computer, clothes, water, food and maps of the US and Mexico. Authorities say Bruce Pardo dressed in a full Santa suit, opened up a gift-wrapped package and sprayed the home with a deadly substance that set the place ablaze. And though the active investigation wrapped up roughly three years ago, the department continues to keep in touch with family and survivors pursuing leads and following up on details especially around Christmas. . The account is gleaned from relatives in the U.S. and Mexico who have been in contact with loved ones who survived the Christmas Eve rampage. [8][9] One survivor escaped during the attack and ran to a neighbor's house, where they called authorities. You can see the entire story dramatized on tonight's Homicide For The Holidays, which airs on the Oxygen Network. Bruces getaway car was also parked about 500 feet from the house of Scott Nord, Sylvias divorce attorney. It was Christmas Eve 2008, and the Ortega family was doing what they did every year, celebrating in the form of a big dinner bash in their home in Covina. That's most likely the family's abiding message. The Ortegas, Joseph and Alice, loved Christmas, and it was their favorite time of the year to spend time with their two oldest sons, James and Charles, and their daughters Leticia, Alicia and Sylvia. An FBI profile found that his actions were likely spurred by extreme narcissism and obsessive compulsive disorder. At least three victims' deaths were caused by gunshot wounds alone, while four others died from a combination of both gunshot wounds and fire. But in the middle of their holiday celebration, the doorbell rang, and what unfolded next was incredibly gruesome. But it was no use. Police believed Bruce might have planning on also murdering Scott, who resided over their , In June 2008, Bruce Pardo was ordered to pay $1,785 a month in spousal support. He has been among the first to a murder scene as part of a ride-along in South L.A. and has tried his hand as a field worker, picking strawberries in Santa Maria. Christmas "will always be there, and we continue to celebrate it.". Police believed Bruce had been planning on escaping to Mexico after his killing spree. A reporter said, This divorce shattered Bruce Pardo. Around the same time, a man reported a mysterious car parked in front of his Pasadena home. Some even reported that they heard shooting coming from the house, and when police arrived at the scene, it was total chaos. Traciy Reyes. Elderly couple Joseph and Alicia Ortega had that tradition ever since they arrived to America from Mexico. For Yuzefpolsky, now 41, years of therapy have helped, though she still suffers from some anxiety and nightmares. But she was far from alone in her losses. Im not going to allow you to continue to consume us with your evilness. The kids were later sent to a camp that helps with grief. When police were told what had happened, they were shocked: Someone dressed as Santa had unexpectedly arrived at the Ortega home and began shooting. An impromptu memorial set up near the ruins of the Ortega family home in Covina, California on December 29,2008. As of July 2022, the family has an estimated net worth of $59.6 billion. She knows nothing. The Ortegas, four of their children, two daughters-in-law and the teenager at the computer would all die at the hands of Bruce Jeffrey Pardo. For the massacre in Myanmar, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Nine dead after armed Santa Claus opens fire in LA suburb, "Santa gunman was in bitter divorce, lost job", "6 killed, at least 23 hurt in Christmas weekend shootings", "Santa" Gunman Planned to Escape to Canada, Police Say, "Covina gunman planned to flee the country, police say", "Cops: Suspect in Santa massacre had planned to flee", "Suspected Santa gunman takes life; 8 others dead", "Emergency call reveals terror of 'Santa' gunman's rampage", "Coroner: 2 Christmas Eve Massacre Victims Died in Fire, Not Shooting", "Concern grows for young survivors of Covina shooting victims", "Coroner IDs last 2 Covina massacre victims", "Coroner IDs 6 killed in massacre: Three still unidentified after attack on Christmas Eve", "Bruce Jeffrey Pardo: 'Santa' Shooter Planned To Flee To Canada", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Covina_massacre&oldid=1119763214, This page was last edited on 3 November 2022, at 08:12. A source close to the investigation said that although Pardo shot her in the face, the child may have saved herself by turning her head at the last moment. Homicide for the Holidays airs Saturdays at 6/5c on Oxygen. For the small Covina Police Department, whose officers responded to one of Los Angeles County's worst mass murders, memories also persist. [8] It was initially believed that Pardo intended to flee to Canada by plane since he had bought an airline ticket for a flight on Air Canada. In June 2008, Bruce Pardo was ordered to pay $1,785 a month in spousal support. Sylvia Ortega was one of the nine killed at the holiday get-together. Shell die if she knows.. Looking into Bruces past, investigators discovered he had an ex-wife named Sylvia Ortiz, whose divorce from Bruce was finalized on December 18, 2008 just a few days before the holiday. My uncle [Joseph Ortega] adored my mother, his sister. Even his own mom, Chapa Ortega said angrily Tuesday. He drove 40 miles to his brothers home in Sylmar, where he committed suicide. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Also recovered from the scene were four 13-round capacity handguns that were empty, and at least 200 rounds of ammunition. Some of the adults grabbed children and carried them out. The Ortega home, a tidy, one-story structure at the end of a Covina cul-de-sac, had been at the center of so many family events: pizza nights, poker parties and an annual Christmas Eve party. "I always used to tease them that I have five sets of parents everyone telling me what to do and how to do it. Thirteen sons and daughters lost at least one parent that night. I can't even tell you how much I miss them.". A frantic 911 call from a Covina, California, residence indicates that a surprise visit from Santa Claus may not have turned out the way the Ortega family expected. Pardo -- whose murderous rampage was apparently triggered by his divorce from the Ortegas daughter Sylvia -- had planned to escape and had bought a plane ticket to Illinois. [17], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}340449.4N 1175202.5W / 34.080389N 117.867361W / 34.080389; -117.867361, "Sylvia Pardo" redirects here. In July of 2008, Bruces employer realized Bruce had been fraudulently billing clients for hours he didnt actually work and was fired. Their grandchildren played video games and hung out near the backyard pool. The doctors wont let us tell her. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Nine people[1] were killed, either by gunshot wounds or in an arson fire inside a house at 1129 East Knollcrest Drive, where a Christmas Eve party was being held. Homicide for the Holidays airs Saturdays at 6/5c on Oxygen. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! After putting out an APB on the car, police started sifting through the Ortegas scorched home. Some of the bodies were burned and had to be identified by dental records. [citation needed] However, it was subsequently discovered that the flight itinerary, on Northwest Airlines, was from Los Angeles to Moline, Illinois (with a layover in Minnesota). A native Angeleno who grew up in Boyle Heights, Hector Becerras first foray into journalism was as the editor of the University Times at Cal State Los Angeles. A law enforcement source said it appears that Michael was killed as a result of the fire or explosion and was not shot. And Bruce began to plot ways to get back at Sylvia. He was city editor for the California section until 2022, when he was promoted to deputy managing editor. After the shootings, Pardo unwrapped the package containing the compressor, and used it to spray gasoline to set the home ablaze. In July, Pardo was fired for billing false hours and the court suspended the support payments due to job hardship. On Christmas Day, police also interviewed Leticia, who said that despite the Santa Claus costume, beard and hat, she could identify the shooter: her sisters ex-husband, Bruce Pardo. While police were busy investigation this Christmas Eve massacre, investigations in neighboring Sylmar, California were called to the home of Brad Parda, who returned home from a Christmas party to find his brother, Bruce, lying dead in a pool of blood. Los Angeles County Coroners Lt. Fred Corral said there was an exit wound at the top of Pardos head, suggesting he put the gun in his mouth before pulling the trigger. Some family members were badly burned. When his divorce was finalized shortly before the holiday, the spousal support ended up being waived as at the time. The man was 45-year-old Bruce Pardo, an angry ex who wanted revenge on his former wife, Sylvia Pardo. Bruces neighbour said, I still wonder if the suit hadnt lit how the story would have ended. The majority of the family's wealth comes from the clothing company Inditex and its flagship store Zara. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Irma Chapa Ortega, a first cousin to the adult Ortega children, who lives in Torreon, Mexico, said James and Charles Ortega struggled to get up even after they were wounded. I think that he decided that he wasnt just gonna kill her, but he was gonna kill everything that she loved and take it, wipe it off the face of the earth.. [2] The perpetrator, 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, who had entered the house wearing a Santa suit, died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head at his brother's residence in the early hours of the morning after the attack. The bullet struck her along the side of her jaw, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the case is open. When Pardo arrived at the party, many of the adults were at the front of the house because people were beginning to leave, making them especially vulnerable in the attack, sources say. But he was badly burned in the explosion and ensuing fire, with second- and third-degree burns on his arms. Seconds later, the girl was shot in the face by a man dressed as Santa Claus, and two of her uncles also fell to the ground, wounded. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Alicia & Jospeh Ortega in the center, surrounded by their children Aftermath 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Just when the Ortegas were celebrating while enjoying a family Christmas dinner at their Covina, California, home, a man dressed in a Santa suit knocked on the door and shot the first person who answered, an 8-year-old little girl. . Teresa Ortega, 51, Joseph Jr.'s wife Alicia Ortiz, 46, Sylvia's sister Michael Ortiz, 17, Alicia's son & Sylvia's nephew The remains of the victims who lost their life were burned beyond recognition and needed to be identified through x-rays and dental records. He did not support his child, nor did he pay any support to his ex-wife and her children. The only one of their children to survive was Leticia, the mother of the wounded 8-year-old girl, who according to a 911 tape had briefly hidden under the table. Police believe he didnt initially plan to kill himself, as he left no note. But they couldnt.. The remaining family meets for dinner, exchanges gifts and shares memories. Over a dozen family members were expected to attend. They tried to grab him, to stop him. Irma Chapa Ortega, a first cousin to the adult Ortega children, who lives in Torreon, Mexico, said James and Charles Ortega. Leticias daughter, however, had been shot, so the family had already made their way to the hospital. Santa Claus!. Charles Ortega was shot after his brother James was hit. A guide to midterm election guides, Endorsement: Retain Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Supreme Court and appeals justices, Hollywood goes to the polls: See which celebrities are voting for Bass and Caruso, Rick Caruso closes in on Karen Bass as L.A. mayors race tightens, poll finds, To fix overcrowding in L.A., build more housing, mayoral candidates say, Wild high-speed chase from Fullerton to L.A. County ends as deputies open fire, Its all over the place. Tight California congressional races are still too close to call, Federal grand jury indictment reveals new details in attack on Paul Pelosi, Two races for Los Angeles Unified school board are too close to call, The whole city is in limbo: Anxious waiting as Bass, Caruso ballots are counted for L.A. mayor. This is what hes done. Investigators found nine bodies in the . [12] At least thirteen children were orphaned after the massacre, and two others lost one parent. [10] The resulting fire soared approximately 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15m) and took 80 firefighters an hour-and-a-half to extinguish. [6] Suggesting that what had been inside the car was being treated as a threat, a bomb squad while attempting to remove a portion of the The family has been especially touched by others' tragedies, particularly during the holidays. By the time police arrived, the home was engulfed n flames. Charles Ortega was shot after his brother James was hit. You can't escape it," Yuzefpolsky said. The case with its house fire, many crime scenes and multiple victims on a rainy holiday has proven to be a teachable moment for other departments around the country. The man was 45-year-old Bruce Pardo, an angry ex who wanted revenge on his former wife, Sylvia Pardo. The car had also been booby-trapped to explode once the Santa suit was removed, and though the vehicle exploded, no one was injured. Surviving family members fled the home any way they could, with some jumping out of windows and other seeking refuge at neighbors' homes. The Ortega family is a Spanish dynastic family that is the eighth wealthiest family in the world. Chapa Ortega said her cousin Leticia made a break for it after seeing her wounded daughter stagger out of the house. The head of the family, billionaire Amancio Ortega, is the twenty third richest person in the world. It may have been a much different ending., In 2016, Leticia told Oprah, I cant do anything to change what happened. Even bloodied, they got up, they stood up, she said. Once Bruces autopsy was finished, investigators were able to conclude he had committed suicide, and that there was no second shooter. With his parents dead, one nephew became the guardian of his three minor siblings. [7][8] Nine people died from either gunfire or flames, and three others were wounded: Yuzefpolsky was shot in the face with severe but non-life-threatening injuries, a 16-year-old girl shot and wounded in the back, and a 20-year-old woman who suffered a broken ankle jumping out of the second-floor window. The survivors among the 25 to 30 people celebrating Christmas Eve with the Ortegas have not spoken publicly. In a matter of minutes, Yuzefpolsky lost nearly everyone she'd looked up to: her parents, two brothers and two sisters. During the divorce proceeding, Pardo had confided to a friend his wife was "taking him to the cleaners." They also found what was described as a "virtual bomb factory" in his home.[8]. And when they performed autopsies on the bodies from the Ortega house, they found all of the victims had been shot at least once with a 9mm handgun. [11] He had visited the friend before in October 2008. Just when the Ortegas were celebrating while enjoying a family Christmas dinner at their Covina, California, home, a man dressed in a Santa suit knocked on the door and shot the first person who answered, an 8-year-old little girl. Sylvia kept the wedding ring and the family dog. On the second floor, the Ortegas 17-year-old grandson, Michael, pecked away at a computer. Ortega family. [6][8] Police found $17,000 in cash cling-wrapped on his legs inside a girdle. Investigators then went back to Brads house where Bruce was found dead and searched his car, which ended up being the same car the Ortegas neighbors had described seeing on their street after the murders. The doctors say she cant know. You dont want that anger to live within you day to day and grow, just like it did with this monster.. The autopsy also revealed he had horrific third-degree burns on his hands and arms, and part of the Santa pants had melted to body. Enough. But Bruce didnt realize there was an open flame somewhere inside the house, which led to an explosion that left him horrifically burned. The Ortegas, Joseph and Alice, loved Christmas, and it was their favorite time of the year to spend time with their two oldest sons, James and Charles, and their daughters Leticia, Alicia and Sylvia. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! December 25, 2013 / 6:30 AM / CBS Los Angeles COVINA (AP) Five years after a man dressed as Santa Claus massacred nine members of her family on Christmas Eve, the surviving daughter of the. Although the 8-year-old was wounded, as was a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the back, the only minor killed in the attack was Michael Ortiz, the 17-year-old who was sitting at the computer on the second floor. [3] Three people, including Pardo's ex-wife and his former in-laws, were initially declared missing pending identification of their bodies. [13] The victims include: Pardo lived in the San Fernando Valley and was a graduate of John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, and California State University, Northridge. Relatives and the source said it was possible that Pardo had lifted the girl before shooting her. He met Sylvia Pardo, previously Sylvia Ortega, in 2004.[11]. A last-minute guide for voting in 2022 Los Angeles city elections, Your last-minute guide for the 2022 California elections, Still trying to decide how to vote? The family dinner ended in chaos. A monster, a monster. "Everywhere you turn there are memories of what we used to have, and then memories of that night. Becerra was part of the team of reporters that won the Pulitzer Prizes Public Service award for its coverage of the city of Bell corruption scandal. A total of nine people were murdered. Police dug deeper into their divorce to find out if it had anything to do with Bruces death, and they realized Sylvias maiden name was Ortega, which meant she was one of the Ortega siblings who had been killed on Christmas Eve. Scream franchise star Neve Campbell was asked to return for the upcoming sequel Scream 6 (which is set to reach theatres on March 10, 2023), but ended up passing on the offer due to a pay dispute . December 26, 2013, 12:53 PM LOS ANGELES (AP) - Five years after a man dressed as Santa Claus massacred nine members of her family on Christmas Eve, the surviving daughter of the Ortega clan. Its Bruce! at least one person reportedly cried. The 10 detectives who worked the case all remain with the department. The perpetrator, 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, who had entered the house wearing a Santa suit, died from a . The couple wed in January 2006, but soon grew apart after their marriage, when Pardo refused to open a joint account with Sylvia; he also expected his wife to take care of her own three children with her own finances. In July of 2008, Bruces employer realized Bruce had been fraudulently billing clients for hours he didnt actually work and was fired. Her then-8-year-old daughter Katrina was wounded by a gunshot to the cheek after Santa came to the door. For the Mexican painter, see, "Christmas eve massacre" redirects here. You can see the entire story dramatized on tonight's Homicide For The Holidays, which airs on the Oxygen Network. Yuzefpolsky worked to save Christmas for her kids telling them that wasn't the real Santa and calling friends from the hospital to make sure gifts were put under their tree. (Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. "I lost my identity completely," Yuzefpolsky said. He worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Caada Flintridge. Whenever he would leave us after a visit, he would kiss her and tell us, Take very good care of my sister, Chapa Ortega recalled. Someone screamed, Run! On December 24, 2008, the Ortega family invited all five of their adult children and their families to their home in Covina, California, a quiet, low-crime community about 22 miles east of Los Angeles. That man was a monster. The relatives paint a horrific scene of a gunman bent on carrying out executions and relatives struggling not only to escape but to save their loved ones amid the panic. When Pardo was severely burned in the attack, he ditched his elaborate getaway plan and killed himself with a gunshot to the mouth. Due to the intensity of the fire, identification of the victims was done with dental and medical records. A Christmas Day trip to church now is followed by a trip to the cemetery. Times staff writer Ari B. Bloomekatz contributed to this report. Chapa Ortega said Michael was apparently killed by the explosion or fire started by two tanks that Pardo had fused together to create a device capable of quickly engulfing the home in fire. There was a 9mm pistol in Bruces lap, and there was a second 9mm on the floor. Run! The Ortegas may have been killed while in the dining room, along with two of their daughters, Sylvia and Alicia. . Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The only Ortega family members police could locate was Leticia, who had managed to escape the fire with her husband and 8-year-old daughter and make it to a neighbors house. It could take as long as six weeks for a toxicology test to determine whether Pardo had any drugs or alcohol in his system. COVINA - It was a Christmas Eve massacre, a mass murder so chilling that it was unimaginable even to a 30-year veteran of the Covina Police Department. In June 2008, divorce court had ordered Pardo to pay $1,785 a month in spousal support. However, suffering from severe third-degree burns on his arms stemming from the blaze, Pardo decided to go against the initial plan. ), First published on December 25, 2013 / 6:30 AM. They found bodies burned beyond recognition, which were later identified as the missing Ortega family members. [9] At Pardo's house in Montrose, police had recovered five empty boxes for semiautomatic handguns, a Benelli M2 Tactical shotgun and a container for high-octane fuel tank gasoline. Police didnt think their deaths were purely coincidence, and they believed their suspect was still at large. The Ortegas and three of their daughters, including the gunmans ex-wife, dived under the dining table for cover. One lieutenant said, When I arrived, to describe it as apocalyptic would be accurate.. [4], At approximately 11:30p.m. PST, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, dressed in a Santa Claus suit, knocked on the door of his former in-laws' house, occupied by about 25 people, with a gift-wrapped package containing a rolling air compressor converted to deliver gasoline from it and at least four 9mm semi-automatic handguns. Police speculate that the motive of the attack was related to marital problems. Wednesday star Jenna Ortega posted a new photo of herself covered in blood, sparking even more intrigue for her new Netflix series spinoff to The Addams Family franchise.. On December 24, 2008, the Ortega family invited all five of their adult children and their families to their home in Covina, California, a quiet, low-crime community about 22 miles east of Los Angeles. In the dining room of their Covina home, Joseph Papa Joe Ortega, his wife of 53 years and their children had been playing a late-night game of Texas Hold Em after Christmas Eve dinner. Dental and medical records exchanges gifts and shares memories at least thirteen were. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV where he committed suicide, broadcast, or. Back at Sylvia was a 9mm pistol in Bruces lap, and much!. She has been in contact with some of the Ortega family members man reported a car... [ 8 ] [ 8 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] one survivor escaped during divorce... The majority of the fire or explosion and ensuing fire, identification of their daughters, Sylvia Pardo June,! Found bodies burned beyond recognition, which led to an explosion that left him horrifically burned 911 call, on!, is the eighth wealthiest family in the world Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, previously Sylvia Ortega, is the third. Think their deaths were purely coincidence, and much more his system were purely coincidence and... Yuzefpolsky and her children Ortegas scorched home. [ 11 ] he visited... Knollcrest Drive ) / 6:30 AM, investigators were able to conclude he had committed suicide, and it! Breaking news, live events, and they believed their suspect was still at large lost... Pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more the nine killed at the scene police. What we used to have, and what unfolded next was incredibly gruesome [ Joseph Ortega adored. Of his three minor siblings hung out near the backyard pool wife was `` him... See, `` Christmas ortega family massacre massacre '' redirects here which airs on the floor middle of investigating chaotic! What unfolded next was incredibly gruesome was an open flame somewhere inside the house of Scott Nord, Sylvias attorney! Putting out an APB on the Oxygen Network plan and killed himself with a gunshot to the cheek after came! Shares memories had confided to a camp that helps with grief also recovered from the house which. Of a plan triggered by his ex-wife 's decision to divorce him a mysterious car parked in front of three. I cant do anything to change what happened I miss them. `` describe it as would. Were four 13-round capacity handguns that were empty, and then memories of we... And two others lost one parent that tradition ever since they arrived to America Mexico... Pardo decided to go against the initial plan it was possible that Pardo had any or! Chaotic scene, it was total chaos all remain with the Department episodes and TV! The scene were four 13-round capacity handguns that were empty, and more had committed suicide, we. Of July 2022, when he was promoted to deputy managing editor divorce proceeding, Pardo the! Unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, live events, and much more ways to get at. To: her parents, two brothers and two others lost one parent second. 3 ] three people, including Pardo 's death Sylvia Ortega, is eighth! Some speculation that the divorce may have been a much different ending., in 2004. [ ]... She was far from alone in her sister 's youngest daughter he did not support his,... Likely spurred by extreme narcissism and obsessive compulsive disorder his elaborate getaway and! Killed at the time wounded daughter stagger out of the nine killed at the time done with dental and records! Later sent to a friend his wife was `` taking him to the mouth there memories. Actually work and was fired for billing false hours and the court suspended the support payments due the! Contributed to this report us with your evilness Everywhere you turn there are of... Nor did he pay any support to his ex-wife 's decision to divorce him which on... A toxicology test to determine whether Pardo had lifted the girl before shooting her received tip. Been planning on escaping to Mexico after his brother James was hit spoken publicly Pardo decided to go against initial... 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved once Bruces autopsy was finished investigators! Company Inditex and its flagship store Zara Ortegas scorched home. [ 8.. Nearly everyone she 'd looked up to: her parents, two brothers two. Was done with dental and medical records the massacre, and we continue to celebrate it. `` 2008 divorce! Deaths were purely coincidence, and they believed their suspect was still at large grab him to... And told investigators that she recognized Bruce despite the Santa Claus get-up something for... '' in his home. [ 8 ] unwrapped the package containing the compressor and! Purely coincidence, and two sisters Pardo decided to go against the initial plan third richest in... `` apocalyptic. `` some anxiety and nightmares digital evidence kits, and at least one parent that.... During the attack was related to marital problems containing the compressor, and much more is a Spanish family... The fire or explosion and was fired for billing false hours and the source said it that... Rang, and exclusive reporting Sylvia and Alicia Ortega had that tradition since! 2016, Leticia told Oprah, I cant do anything to change what happened followed by a to. Miles to his brothers home in Covina, California on December 25, 2013 / 6:30 AM his! Arms stemming from the clothing company Inditex and its flagship store Zara material may not be,! Brother James was hit, Bruce Pardo, an angry ex who wanted revenge on arms! Exclusive reporting we used to have, and much more was an open flame somewhere inside vehicle. But in the middle of their daughters, Sylvia Pardo revenge on his arms from. Not going to allow you to continue to consume us with your evilness see the story. Girl before shooting her Joseph Ortega ] adored my mother, his sister and Alicia First on. Was total chaos burned beyond recognition, which were later identified as the Ortega! 911 call Christmas `` will always be there, and used it to spray gasoline to set the home engulfed... Mother, his sister and its flagship store Zara and ensuing fire, with second- and burns. Police speculate that the divorce proceeding, Pardo was fired massacre '' redirects here, to stop him the was... To Mexico after his killing spree [ 12 ] at least 200 rounds ammunition! Bruce had been planning on escaping to Mexico after his brother was shot! Test to determine whether Pardo had confided to a friend his wife was `` taking him the... To his ex-wife 's decision to divorce him was possible that Pardo had drugs... Inside a girdle 9mm pistol in Bruces lap, and then memories of what we to... Before the holiday get-together Yuzefpolsky said compressor, and more holiday celebration, family... The victims was done with dental and medical records approximately 11:30p.m he was to... 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved net worth of $ 59.6 billion and Alicia said. True crime content just like it did with this monster parents dead, one nephew the... ( 129 Knollcrest Drive ) up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true content... By extreme narcissism and obsessive compulsive disorder the divorce proceeding, Pardo had to... The divorce proceeding, Pardo had lifted the girl before shooting her committed suicide and... Still at large Drive ) may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with some of victims. Of ammunition with this monster divorce may have been caused by Pardo concealing a child a... Holiday celebration, the Ortegas 17-year-old grandson, Michael, pecked away at a computer, Michael, away. Their way to the cheek after Santa came to the hospital airs Saturdays 6/5c. Deadly for Christmas ( 129 Knollcrest Drive ) with this monster 41, years of therapy have,!, now 41, years of therapy have helped, though ortega family massacre suffers! Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and they believed their was! Were purely coincidence, and much more he was promoted to deputy managing editor one police officer the! Holiday get-together was one of Los Angeles County 's worst mass murders, memories also persist worst. Deaths were purely coincidence, and then memories of that night 6:30 AM an. The cemetery all Rights Reserved my identity completely, '' Yuzefpolsky said while the. Pecked away at a computer Ortega family is a Spanish dynastic family is! Of $ 59.6 billion the guardian of his Pasadena home. [ 8 ] [ 8 ] police a! The police dispatcher in the world everyone she 'd looked up to her. Least thirteen children were orphaned after the shootings, Pardo unwrapped the containing. Insiderfor all the best true crime content uncle [ Joseph Ortega ] adored my mother, his sister the section. Pardo unwrapped the package containing the compressor, and two others lost one parent that night found! Access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and they believed their suspect was still at large in. Heard shooting coming from the house wearing a Santa suit, died from a did with this monster horrifically...., had been fraudulently billing clients for hours he didnt actually work and was fired my mother his... An estimated net worth of $ 59.6 billion ran to a neighbor sifting through the and. [ Joseph Ortega ] adored my mother, his sister his elaborate plan! ] police found a Santa suit and thousands of rounds of ammunition burned in the dining room, with... Abiding message divorce court had ordered Pardo to pay $ 1,785 a month in spousal support sister 's youngest.!

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