Teresa Ortiz Paredes, aged 46, tragically lost her life on December 5, 2015, in Escondido, California. The incident occurred at a residence in the 3000 block of North Broadway near Cougar Pass Road. Teresa was found with severe upper body trauma and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that she had been shot. The primary suspect in her death was her estranged husband, Juan Garcia, who also went by the names Jose Luis Paredes and Jose Moreno.
Garcia, a 50-year-old Mexican national, fled the scene after the incident, prompting a manhunt by local authorities.
Garcia's red Ford Explorer was discovered abandoned at a commercial property a few miles north of the crime scene. Investigators believed he might have been attempting to flee to Mexico. During the search, it was revealed that Garcia had stolen a silver 2003 Ford Taurus, which was later found abandoned near Reidy Creek Elementary School. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, but the case was classified as domestic violence. Authorities described Garcia as armed and dangerous, and he was considered a significant threat to public safety.
The search for Garcia came to a tragic end on December 9, 2015, when his body was found inside a home in unincorporated Escondido. Deputies discovered his body while conducting a protective search of the house before allowing Ortiz's family members to recover personal belongings. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Garcia had died by suicide from a gunshot wound. The investigation into Teresa Ortiz's death highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues within the community. The case remains a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and support for those affected by domestic violence.
