Diego Ivan Ortega Reza, an 18-year-old Latino male, tragically lost his life on July 10, 2021, after being shot in East Los Angeles. The incident occurred near 3431 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Ortega Reza was in the front passenger seat of a gray Toyota Sienna minivan, accompanied by his younger brother and a friend, returning home from a 4th of July celebration. As they approached the intersection of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Lorena Street, an unknown assailant fired gunshots at their vehicle.
Ortega Reza was struck in the head by the gunfire. The driver of the vehicle immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, and he was later transferred to a trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries on July 10, 2021.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation into the murder of Diego Ivan Ortega Reza. In an effort to gather information and bring the perpetrator to justice, Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Homicide Bureau detectives held a press conference on October 20, 2021, near the site of the shooting. During the press conference, Lieutenant Charles Calderaro announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ortega Reza's death. This reward was sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. The Sheriff's Department emphasized the importance of community assistance in solving the case, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Diego Ivan Ortega Reza was remembered as a shy yet enthusiastic teenager who had recently graduated from high school and was looking forward to attending college. His family and friends described him as sweet-natured and effervescent, qualities that endeared him to those around him. The senseless act of violence that took his life left his family devastated, particularly his younger brother, who was also in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the community's plea for information, the case remains unsolved, and the search for justice for Diego Ivan Ortega Reza continues.
