In the afternoon of Friday, October 25, 2019, a life was tragically cut short in Springdale, Arkansas. Emergency services were dispatched to a residence on Eaglecrest Circle around 1:45 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers discovered 19-year-old Pedro Pena suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck. He was rushed to Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, but his injury proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
At the scene of the incident, law enforcement found 18-year-old Fernando Ortiz. It was reported that three other young men had also been present at the time of the shooting but had departed before the police arrived. Ortiz willingly accompanied the officers to the police department for an interview, while detectives located and interviewed the other three individuals who had been at the residence.
Following an investigation that included interviews and an examination of the crime scene, authorities pieced together the events of that afternoon. It is believed that a group of young men were spending time together when Ortiz began handling a firearm. In a turn of events that would have devastating consequences, the gun discharged while Ortiz was playing with it, and the bullet struck Pena in the neck. A search of the residence led to the discovery of the weapon used, which was later identified as a firearm that had been reported stolen in Springdale in June of that same year.
As a result of the investigation, Fernando Ortiz was arrested in connection with the death of Pedro Pena. He faced multiple felony charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault, and theft by receiving a firearm. The incident was a sobering reminder of the potential for tragedy when firearms are handled irresponsibly.
