Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Charles Ortega death by force case profile photo

Charles Ortega

Case from Covina, CA dated Dec 24, 2008

Victim Details

Charles Ortega

Male

Covina

CA

2008-12-24

50

Charles

Ortega

07/14/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Charles Ortega, aged 50, was tragically killed on December 24, 2008, during a horrific mass shooting and arson attack at his family's annual Christmas Eve party in Covina, California. The perpetrator, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, was Ortega's former brother-in-law. Pardo arrived at the party uninvited, dressed in a Santa Claus suit, and began his rampage by shooting an 8-year-old girl who opened the door. He then proceeded to shoot ten other people, killing nine, including Charles Ortega and his wife. A ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Charles Ortega, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (8)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • ABC7 Los Angeles: New details emerge after man in Santa outfit kills at least 9 at Covina Christmas party | ABC7 Los Angeles | abc7.com
  • Covina massacre - Wikipedia
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 6 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    I’ve been going down a rabbit hole trying to understand how things could get so out of control in ... ...Read More
    11/20/2024
    I've been following the Covina Christmas Eve tragedy, and something that really struck me was the ex... ...Read More
    09/06/2024
    I’ve been following the Covina massacre case and can’t stop thinking about the innocent 8-year-o... ...Read More
    04/22/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Charles Ortega

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Covina, California

    Alexander Espino death by force case in Covina, CA

    Alexander Espino

    Death: May 11, 2024
    On May 11, 2024, 19-year-old Alexander Espino of Bloomington, California, was fatally shot while dri r ...Read More
    Teresa Ortega death by force case in Covina, CA

    Teresa Ortega

    Death: Dec 24, 2008
    Teresa Ortega, aged 51, tragically lost her life on December 24, 2008, during a horrific event known w ...Read More
    Ray Bonilla death by force case in Covina, CA

    Ray Bonilla

    Death: Feb 22, 2018
    Ray Bonilla, a 55-year-old resident of Covina, California, tragically lost his life on February 22, , ...Read More
    Ronnie Benitez death by force case in Covina, CA

    Ronnie Benitez

    Death: Oct 30, 2022
    Ronnie Benitez, a 20-year-old resident of Covina, California, tragically lost his life on October 30 3 ...Read More
    Rene Atolinar Montano death by force case in Covina, CA

    Rene Atolinar Montano

    Death: Oct 01, 2016
    Rene Atolinar Montano, a 39-year-old Latino male, tragically lost his life on October 1, 2016, in Co C ...Read More
    Joseph Joe Ortega death by force case in Covina, CA

    Joseph Joe Ortega

    Death: Dec 24, 2008
    Joseph S. "Joe" Ortega, aged 80, tragically lost his life on December 24, 2008, in Covina, Californi n ...Read More
    Joel German Mercado death by force case in Covina, CA

    Joel German Mercado

    Death: Aug 16, 2025
    Joel German Mercado, 16, a Hispanic/Latino male, was spending a summer Saturday night at a back-to-s - ...Read More