Episode 46: The Covina Christmas Massacre

On December 24, 2008, the Ortega’s were gathered for their annual christmas party in Covina, California. They ate, they drank, they played games; but most importantly, they enjoyed being in the company of those closest to them. Then, at 11:30pm, a man clad in a Santa Costume and carrying a wrapped present, knocks on the door. Once inside, all chaos breaks loose. In this episode, we discuss the massacre, what lead up to it, and the aftermath.

Resources:

Emergency mental health: 9-8-8

(US) the national suicide hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline for help with mental health and substance use referrals and information

Tune in to this episode to learn more!

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Sources:

https://www.oxygen.com/martinis-murder/covina-massacre-santa-suit-bruce-pardo-ortega-family

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-11-me-santa11-story.html

https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1989?amount=3000

https://www.pottsmerc.com/2008/12/28/santa-gunman-left-behind-brain-damaged-son/

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/local/new-information-in-christmas-eve-rampage/1851691/

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32415013/sylvia-ortega

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/santa-slayer-planned-more-murders/

https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-santa-shooting28-2008dec28-story.html

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covina-massacre-survivor-healing_n_5771b300e4b0dbb1bbbbbc9b

https://www.macabredaily.com/articles/covina-christmas-massacre

https://www.dailynews.com/2009/12/24/family-affected-by-last-years-christmas-tragedy-returns-to-covina-for-private-remembrance/

911 call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyJMkU-N3Uw