On April 1, 2024, 61-year-old Jesus Mares Ortega was fatally shot in a drive-by incident at his residence on West French Place in San Antonio, Texas. The tragedy unfolded shortly after 5 a.m. when Ortega returned home after taking his wife to work. As he approached his house, a black sedan or SUV drove by, and an occupant fired multiple shots in his direction.
Ortega managed to enter his home to warn his family; however, additional shots were fired into the residence, one of which struck him in the head, resulting in his death at the scene. At the time, a 46-year-old man and two children were also inside the home but were unharmed.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) responded promptly, marking at least ten shell casings at the scene. Investigators noted that there had been several other shooting incidents in the area earlier that morning and were exploring potential connections between these events. Despite thorough investigations, including interviews with neighbors and examination of surveillance footage, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unidentified. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in solving this case.
Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, describing Ortega as an innocent bystander caught in a senseless act of violence. One neighbor, identified as Irma, mentioned that her wife heard the gunshots but initially dismissed them as someone banging on a door. The community remains on edge, concerned about the recent spate of shootings and the apparent randomness of the violence.
In the wake of this tragedy, an online memorial was established to honor Jesus Ortega, where friends and family have shared condolences and memories, reflecting the deep impact of his loss on the community. The SAPD continues to investigate the case, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators involved in this heinous crime.
