Billy Anthony Avila, aged 40, tragically lost his life on June 10, 2021, in Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn on Oak Street. On the morning of June 9, 2021, officers from the Bakersfield Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the location. Upon arrival, they found Avila with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that Avila had been ambushed by two individuals who waited for him to exit the hotel. As he began placing items in his vehicle, the assailants opened fire from a nearby car, then approached and fired additional shots, resulting in a total of 15 rounds being discharged, 11 of which struck Avila.
The suspects in this case were identified as Angel Cordero, 27, and Jerry Ortega, 23. Both individuals were apprehended and charged with murder and other related offenses. The prosecution presented evidence linking Cordero and Ortega to the crime, including DNA evidence found in the vehicle used during the shooting and at the crime scene. The vehicle, a Nissan Altima, was later discovered being driven by a third individual who was attempting to dispose of it. This evidence, along with clothing worn by the suspects at the time of the killing, played a crucial role in securing their convictions.
In July 2024, a Kern County jury found Cordero and Ortega guilty of murder. They were subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The trial highlighted the premeditated nature of the attack, with the suspects waiting for several hours before executing their plan. The case drew significant attention due to the brutal manner in which Avila was killed and the swift justice that followed. The convictions brought some measure of closure to Avila's family and friends, who had been deeply affected by his untimely death.
