On December 23, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas, 19-year-old Jose Ortega was fatally shot in the head during an incident on the city's West Side. The shooting occurred shortly after 2 a.m. near Remolino and Cardova streets, close to Cupples Road and San Fernando Cemetery II. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jose Ortega with a gunshot wound to the head and an 18-year-old female victim with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where Jose Ortega succumbed to his injuries.
The alleged shooter, identified as a 16-year-old female, remained at the scene and informed police that the shooting was accidental. Preliminary investigations suggested that the teenager was handling the firearm when it discharged, striking Jose Ortega in the head; the same bullet then reportedly hit the 18-year-old female in the leg. The 16-year-old was detained by authorities for further questioning.
As of the latest available information, the case remained under investigation. Details regarding any formal charges against the 16-year-old suspect or the outcome of the investigation have not been publicly disclosed. The community mourned the loss of Jose Ortega, with 137 candles lit in his memory on an online memorial site.
