Joangel Elias Ortegon, a 20-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on February 7, 2020, in Waco, Texas. Joangel, affectionately known as "JoJo," was born on August 2, 1999, in Waco to Ricky Ortegon and Ismaela "Mela" Guerrero. He graduated from University High School in 2017 and was employed at Conn’s Furniture at the time of his death. Joangel was known for his ambitions, charm, and caring nature.
He had a trip planned to Hawaii with his girlfriend, Lahisa Lopez, which he did not get to take.
On the night of February 7, 2020, Joangel Ortegon was killed in a shooting incident at a home located at 1903 Trice Avenue in Waco. The shooting, which occurred around 9 PM, also resulted in injuries to three other individuals: 30-year-old Douglas James, 22-year-old Kevin Wash, and 19-year-old Carson Elias. The victims suffered gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was a result of a failed robbery attempt. Multiple guns and a large amount of marijuana were found at the scene. Kevin Darnell Wash, a 22-year-old male, was charged with capital murder in connection with Joangel's death. The police also arrested Delviyonte Dequare Sampson, a 19-year-old male, in connection with the murder of another individual, Tyler McKinney, which occurred in January 2020.
The case of Joangel Ortegon's murder is part of a broader pattern of violence in the area, with investigators suspecting that a drug operation played a role in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working to uncover further details and bring those responsible to justice.
