Bruce Jeffrey Pardo dressed up as Santa and unexpectedly arrived at the Ortega home of his ex in-laws house at around 11:30pm and immediately shot an 8 year old girl who opened the door. , Your email address will not be published. She had severe injuries, but none to cause her death. said a caller California police say the gunman who killed nine people in a Christmas Eve bloodbath at his ex-in-laws home, intended to flee to Canada but was severely Officials have discovered nine bodies in a house believed to have been burnt down by Bruce Pardo, who dressed up as Santa and committed a shooting spree. Due to his Let's get completely out of any kind of holiday spirit by diving into a senseless and tragic On December 24, 2008 a man showed up at a Christmas party in Covina, CA, wearing a Santa suit On the night of December 24th, 2008, a large family Christmas party was winding down. The brutal killer murdered between 24 and 29 victims and attempted to kill one other person. Instead, he committed suicide after accidentally burning himself when fuel he sprayed in the home exploded prematurely, officials said Friday. There was one survivor who had managed to call the authorities during the massacre after theyd escaped to a neighbours house. Crime scene photos of the victims of the Columbine High School massacre, including where they died and how their bodies were found. "This is what he's done. A long time after Columbine, I did ultimately receive crime-scene photos of the school-library killing floor. The Pardos were married in 2006. Residents of about a half-dozen homes adjacent to the crime scene were evacuated while police continued the investigation. "The Covina massacre occurred on December 24, 2008, in Covina, a city in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, United States. sit on the property After he was fired, Pardo disappeared for about a month and visited the Midwest and East Coast before returning to California in December. You dont want that anger to live within you day to day and grow, just like it did with this monster.. 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. Leticia managed to escape the chaos and called 911 from a neighbor's home. Stayner was a serial rapist and killer. Few serial killer crime scene photos are as unforgettable as the images the mass suicide generated. suspect Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, in this handout photo released December However, those photos. In 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley invited a Jet magazine photographer, David Jackson, to photograph the brutalized body of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till, who had been savagely beaten, shot and dumped. Images of serial killer crime scenes have been taken for more than a century. In the above photo, the police are doing an extensive search of Pickton's farm. Bailey killed two people between 1972 and 1985 through strangulation. It was found in Washington by hunters. In the middle of investigating the chaotic scene, police also received a tip from a neighbor. He was caught with the help of another serial killer, Ted Bundy, who gave the authorities important tips about serial killers. It became his obsession. Throughout the late morning and early. Barton went on a killing spree and killed his family before killing 13 others. Ramirez was found guilty of killing 20 people and attempting to kill eight others between 1973 and 1985. The motive behind the attack was believed to be related to Pardos marital problems. He had a plane ticket to depart early Christmas morning from LAX to Canada. "If we teach them that it's OK to hate and it's OK to be violent [and] it's OK to put people down and make people feel less than, then what hope do we have?". Marshall was the founder and leader of Heaven's Gate, a UFO cult that committed mass suicide in 1997. than three people dead, and (inset) He kidnapped, raped, tortured, and killed at least 28 men and boys during his reign. Authorities released 911 calls from Wednesday's mass killing in Covina, California. Thanks for all the support. Theres some information that he stood over (some of) them and shot them execution-style., All indications are that (Pardo) intended to commit this crime and then flee the country.. Covina Massacre: Bruce Pardo Murders Ortega Family | True Crime Buzz True Crime Buzz December 8, 2017, 11:06 AM ET The Disturbing Case Of 'Santa Claus' Killer Who Massacred 9 People At Christmas Eve Party Before Burning Down Home One police officer called the crime scene "apocalyptic." By Aly Vander Hayden It was speculated that Pardo had planned to flee to Canada as he had prior to the attack purchased flight tickets to Canada. The Ortegas were killed on Dec. 24, 2008, in Covina, Ca. This is one of the most famous serial killer crime scene photos in history. He killed 4 to 5 people between 1997 to 1999. They helped authorities understand what had happened to the unfortunate victims. Police also found another bullet hole in the ceiling, and they believed there might have been a second shooter at the scene. Leticia Yuzefpolsky is a survivor. A crime scene photo shows where Bailey abducted Shawn Moore, whom he killed and disposed of in the nearby woods. Yuzefpolsky, the youngest of five children, became the reluctant matriarch, maintaining the tight-knit familys traditions and happier memories. The picture above shows the bodies of the cult members after they killed themselves. 7:45 pm. The Covina Massacre Covina, a Los Angeles suburb, was a grisly scene on Christmas Eve, 2008. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo dressed up as Santa and unexpectedly arrived at the Ortega home of his ex in-laws house at around 11:30pm and immediately shot an 8 year old girl who opened the door. Bruce Pardo was ordered to pay $10,000 to Sylvia, while she was allowed to keep the couples dog, an Akita. In this photo, investigators have the body they found beneath John Wayne Gacy's garage floor on December 22, 1978. Ted Bundy killed more than 30 women and girls, including a 12-year-old girl known as Kimberly Leach. Though the car wasnt rigged, it was packed with supplies including a computer, clothes, water, food and maps of the US and Mexico. used inside the Knollcrest house Passengers following a gas attack by Shoko Asahara. He killed nine people. I lost my identity completely, Yuzefpolsky said. #14. But Bruce didnt realize there was an open flame somewhere inside the house, which led to an explosion that left him horrifically burned. It is one of the eeriest serial killer crime scene photos to date. It was not clear Friday whether the victims died from the fire or gunshots. Pardo began shooting at fleeing members of the party (it was said there was around 25 people at the party). Yuzefpolsky worked to save Christmas for her kids telling them that wasnt the real Santa and calling friends from the hospital to make sure gifts were put under their tree. He killed two other people before he was caught. Throughout the late morning and early afternoon Monday, a steady stream of cars paraded from one end of the cul-de-sac to the other. Los Angeles County firefighters at the home in Covina, Hes shooting my whole family! Ive been with the department for 30 years and Ive never seen anything like this, Covina police Lt. Pat Buchanan said. They were primarily used in portrait photography. He disguised himself as a family man and a church leader, and he would taunt the police with details of his brutal crimes before he was finally arrested. The 11,000-plus page report includes investigative files, 911 call transcripts, crime scene reports and thousands of photos, among them images of the aftermath of the shooting that show weapons . This picture shows the body of Elizabeth Stride, one of Jack Ripper's victims. CrimeDoor is a trusted news resource for those seeking the freshest perspective on cases worldwide. Police at the scene said neighbors are growing weary. - Washington Post Kevin Sterne's story of resilience and recovery as a Virginia Tech shooting victim began. Coroners officials are still sorting out the identities of the victims because they were burned beyond recognition. Covina Police Chief Kim Raney tells media members about the 8-year-old (Ken Hively, Los Angeles Times). Once you mix those two together it turns into a vapor which he atomized the house with, Raney said. Five days after the massacre of nine members of a Covina family on East Knollcrest Drive, their home has become a sort of attraction for the curious. The monster knew what he wanted to do; and got this family in the heart.. Police said they believe Pardo set the house on fire before fleeing. Police said they had unconfirmed reports that Pardo worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry. where a man dressed as Santa opened fire at a a friend This divorce shattered Bruce Pardo. Ten children are now orphaned as a result of the massacre, according to family friends. Covina massacre victims. Police believed Bruce might have planning on also murdering Scott, who resided over their somewhat contentious proceeding.. But in the middle of their holiday celebration, the doorbell rang, and what unfolded next was incredibly gruesome. You also receive detailed insights into each investigation with our cutting-edge tools, while our 3D re-creation of profiles elevates your access and knowledge of each story. Video: Covina police chief describes massacre Audio: 911 calls from the scene Download: Pardo divorce records Related story: Update: Suspects car burst into flames Related story: Accused killer was a nice guy, usher at Montrose church Related story: Christmas for quiet Covina neighborhood will never be the same. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times), Smoke rises from the site of the burned home in Covina. the front door to a man dressed in a Santa suit. shooting and fire at a The Covina massacre happened on Christmas eve (Dec 24th) 2008, in Covina, California. Police didnt think their deaths were purely coincidence, and they believed their suspect was still at large. 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. Homicide for the Holidays airs Saturdays at 6/5c on Oxygen. The nature of injuries have not been determined; their bodies are severely burned and charred, Winter said. The Columbine episode came out only 5 years after the massacre and made E&D look like these charismatic bad boy villains. Claus suit opened fire on partygoers at his former in-laws home in released December 26, 2008. Pardo died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Assistant. Today I talk about the Covina massacre: a Santa dressed killer who We're sticking with the Christmas spirit this week! Partygoers fled the house COVINA MASSACRE PHOTO GALLERIES Memorial. dispenser which Bruce Jeffrey Pardo used inside the Knollcrest house Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), LA County restaurants must provide recyclable dishes beginning May 1, El Monte man gets 21 years for killing his boss at Alhambra newspaper, Yellen says US could hit debt ceiling as soon as June 1, The cost of high-speed rail in California might surprise you, LA Metro survey: About 600 homeless riders exit nightly when train service ends, Small plane crashes near Mulholland Drive, kills Woodland Hills pilot, Willie Nelsons Hollywood Bowl 90th birthday celebration is star-studded event, Notre Dame softballs Ella Parker has embraced that her dominance comes at a walking price, LA County says Judge Carter exceeded authority by rejecting homeless settlement, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, Dodger Stadium gondola may get shut down by city of LA, Homeboy Industries, Stagecoach 2023: Kane Brown, Bryan Adams and Nelly close out Day 2, Got expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupons? This is one of the earliest serial killer crime scene photos in history. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, who was wearing a Santa costume, entered a property belonging to his former in-laws in Covina and killed nine people either by shooting or arson from the fire he started. Los Angeles County firefighters battled the blaze at the two-story home, which is located in the middle of a cul-de-sac in what police described as an upper-middle-class neighborhood. Required fields are marked *. He is famous for asking, "You can't rape a prostitute, can you?". 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. A ninth body was discovered Friday morning, officials said. PHOTO GALLERY Covina Christmas massacre evidence. During their murdering spree, they left behind some of the most unforgettable serial killer crime scene photos in history. After putting out an APB on the car, police started sifting through the Ortegas scorched home. The garage door of the home was nearly crumpled in half. He was never like this; I am shocked, Sanchez said from her Volkswagen Jetta. True Crime Photo. himself, his rental car was discovered to have been booby-trapped Armed with four semi-automatic handguns, Pardo continued into the home and began firing indiscriminately at the 25 guests attending the party. The fire grew to approximately 40 to 50 feet and took 80 firefighters an hour-and-a-half to get under control and extinguish. Officers parked at a cross street and worked their way down the street and saw the house engulfed in flames, Buchanan said. The two reached a settlement that proved to be acrimonious. His brother was not at home during this occurrence. I cant believe that he did this to my family, she later said. He would mock the police with letters while confessing to his murders. Christmas decorations and a wreath on the front door are pictured I appreciate that.". Can You Tell Why This Weird Picture Of A Family Sitting On A Bench Is Going Viral? #15. Investigators initially discovered three bodies inside the rubble. which the compressor came from are seen in this handout photo As investigators descended upon the apartment, one of them picked up a camera and photographed the scene. Shortly after the doorbell sounded, police received 911 calls from the Ortegas neighbor. People seem to have a bizarre obsession with some of the most gruesome crimes imaginable. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times), Firefighters survey the damaged home on Christmas morning. Police discovered $17,000 plastic-wrapped to Pardos leg and inside a girdle he was wearing. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times), A Los Angeles County coroner's official reviews the scene at the The serial killer told them about the location of the remains. Investigators found nine bodies in the charred ruins of a home on a quiet suburban street Thursday and Friday. But she was far from alone in her losses. Covina police still have an open investigation at Pardos home in Montrose as they try to uncover more clues. (Her daughter survived.) One nephew, with his parents dead, became the guardian of his three minor siblings. A 16-year-old girl was treated for a gunshot wound in the back. The rental car was parked a block away from his brothers house. 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. Enough. I just have this feeling in my stomach; Im trying to keep it together here.. Nine people were killed, either by gunshot wounds or in an arson fire inside a house on 1129 East Knollcrest Drive, where a Christmas Eve party was being . We strive to bring awareness back into focus with our coverage, which features Crime stories that are underpinned by reliable information from up-to-date sources, as told by compassionate storytellers. He killed 21 people before he was stopped, but he is remembered as one of the deadliest lone shooters in United States history. handout photo released December 26, 2008. Some of them ran through doors, broke windows with furniture and some jumped from second-story windows., PHOTO GALLERY Covina Christmas massacre aftermath. Authorities say Pardos Santa suit actually melted onto his body before he fled. This photo, showing a freezer filled with human heads, was found inside Jeffrey Dahmer's home. Pardos former wife Sylvia Ortega Pardo, 43. Above is a photo of one of John Collins' crime scenes. An 8-year-old girl answered the door and was immediately shot in the face, officials said. Proof of a different type of gun at Columbine. The suit was wired with a device that was hooked to a trip wire which would ignite a flare inside the car. And Bruce began to plot ways to get back at Sylvia. (AFP/Getty Images). This has to be one of the most gruesome serial killer crime scene photos ever. Hardy robbed and raped the girl before killing her. Different type of magazine from a different gun, photographed from outside the building. Two Snapple bottle's used for molotov cocktails found in Dylan's car. Quick Description: This house was the scene of a 2008 massacre. girl who was shot in the face He suffered third-degree burns on both arms when the device he was using to torch the house exploded, police said. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that 2019 treats you well. She told the dispatcher her name was Leticia. One police officer called the crime scene "apocalyptic.". a Christmas Eve murder rampage, allegedly dispenser which Bruce Jeffrey Pardo Eve party Photography also helped introduce mug shots, which is also something Bertillon came up with. For Yuzefpolsky, now 41, years of therapy have helped, though she still suffers from some anxiety and nightmares. The killings represented the greatest loss of American civilian lives until the terrorist attacks in 2001. Homicide for the Holidays Premieres Saturday, November 25th! Most of the bodies were found in the living room area but other areas of the home still need to be searched, Winter said. Tents (background) are in use to process the crime scene. His crimes inspired several horror films. A woman who claimed to be an ex-girlfriend of Pardos said he attended Cal State Northridge and was a straight-A student. All three are thought to have been slain in the rampage. Covina police Lt. Pat Buchanan said that in his investigation, he's found that most people who knew Pardo agree that this attack was completely unexpected and out of character. Public records indicate the house is owned by Joe Ortega, 80, and his wife Alicia, 70. She and her husband had seen a car leaving their cul-de-sac at around 11:45 PM. #13. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The woman is Madame Debeinche, from Paris. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bethany, 23 year old criminology and criminal psychology student. He infamously said he had killed the nurses because "It just wasn't their night.". Before killing himself, Pardo used a homemade flamethrower to then set the house on fire in a raging blaze. Pardo and Sylvia married in January 2006, but not long after grew apart when Pardo refused to open a joint account with his newly wedded wife along with Pardo expecting his wife to take care of her own three children with her own finances. After running out of bullets, By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Dont give up, Yuzefpolsky said. Southern California Private investigator, private investigations, The Covina. she chose not to follow a path of anger and hate. It is important to remember that these photos were not taken to satisfy some sick fetishists. Pardo came to the home dressed in a Santa Claus suit and carrying a package that was wrapped as a Christmas present, Raney said. On Aug. 8, 1969, he orders a pack of his followers to go to Terry Melcher's old house -- and kill everyone inside. "You don't want that anger to live within you day to day and grow, just like it did with this monster.". She had three children, all of whom survived the massacre. Pardo, a longtime usher at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montrose, was married for about one year. Today Kate and I talk about the Santa Claus shooter, Bruce Jeffrey On December 24th, 2008 Bruce Pardo, dressed as Santa Claus entered the home of the Ortega family On this festive episode of We Need To Talk About Movies Crime Scene to Screen Series Joe McElroy Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for one family it turned For this first episode, I decided to give you a holiday themed tidbit. Looks like he did have specific targets in mind, Raney said. But first, True Crime Headlines.Support the show and get Christmas Eve, 2008. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times), Burned remnants including photos of Joseph Ortega and his family It was an event so horrific that it could send someone into a lifetime of despair, but as Leticia tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now -- Extra," she chose not to follow a path of anger and hate. (Barbara Davidson, Los Angeles Times). with the remnants of the Santa suit rigged to a homemade fire bomb. Pardo dressed in a Santa Claus costume burst into a Christmas During the divorce proceeding, Bruce had confided to a friend that Sylvia was taking him to the cleaners. In July, Pardo was fired for billing false hours and the court suspended the payments due to financial issues. PHOTOS: The massacre at Columbine High School and the days that followed Breaking News News PHOTOS: The Columbine High School shooting and the community that came together in its wake. Part of HuffPost News. We strive to bring awareness back into focus with our coverage, which features Crime stories that are underpinned by reliable information from up-to-date sources, as told by compassionate storytellers. home where a man It was Sylvias third marriage, according to friends. Words cannot convey the sadness and horror I feel about the tragedy that has unfolded in the heart of our community, Romeros statement began. Detectives later found the keys to the rental car that Pardo used for his getaway. Pardo had no past criminal record and there had been no previous police activity at the Knollcrest Drive house, Buchanan said. the Murderpedia project stay alive. supply of racing fuel, empty handgun boxes and two high-powered The victim in this picture is a 14-year-old girl called Dawn Basom, who had recently lost her father. Enough. According to talk there is some discussion being that the divorce may have been caused by Pardo concealing a child from a previous relationship.
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