On July 28, 2024, at approximately 11:15 a.m., 16-year-old Giselle Ortega was fatally shot near the 900 block of West Tennyson Road in Hayward, California. She was preparing to leave her home with her mother when the incident occurred. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
During the same incident, a 41-year-old Hayward resident was also struck by gunfire near the 28000 block of Ruus Road.
He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at a local hospital. Authorities have stated that there is no known connection between the two victims.
Preliminary investigations suggest that multiple individuals, described as young men wearing hoods and masks, exchanged gunfire in front of the apartment complex where Giselle resided. Some shots were reportedly fired from a vehicle. A high-powered rifle and a stolen car believed to be associated with the shooting have been recovered by the police. However, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown.
The tragic death of Giselle marks the eighth homicide in Hayward for the year 2024. Community members and local officials have expressed deep concern over the rise in youth violence within the city. Hayward Police Chief Bryan Matthews noted an increase in juvenile involvement in violent crimes and emphasized ongoing efforts with regional law enforcement to address this troubling trend.
Giselle's family, devastated by the loss, held a vigil in her memory and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible. Her aunt, Guadalupe Navarro, described Giselle as a joyful individual who brought happiness to those around her. The family urges anyone with information to contact the Hayward Police Department, hoping to prevent such a tragedy from befalling another family.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are actively seeking leads and have requested that anyone with pertinent information reach out to Detective Navas at 510-293-7176, referencing case number 2024-41753.
