The autopsy also revealed he had horrific third-degree burns on his hands and arms, and part of the Santa pants had melted to body. This child was severely injured in a swimming pool accident several years previous. Touhey, who found his way past the crime scene tape, helped clear rubble from the Ortega property. Here are some of the most famous serial killer crime scene photos ever. Its unusual enough to where we believe it is something that was used to propel an accelerant.. At Pardos home, police discovered five boxes from the handguns and fuel containers as well as two shotguns. One of the photos shows crime scene markings in a classroom. An impromptu memorial is set up near the ruins of the Ortega Jun 28, 2016, 11:36 AM EDT. Casting two good looking and athletic actors definitely didn't help. 7:45 pm. That Christmas Eve, the family played a boisterous game of poker, and the party was in full swing. . When a Connecticut woman lost her three daughters and parents in a house fire two years ago, Yuzefpolsky encouraged her daughters to write letters to the woman. He suffered third-degree burns on both arms when the device he was using to torch the house exploded, police said. A crime scene photo shows where Bailey abducted Shawn Moore, whom he killed and disposed of in the nearby woods. In June 2008, the divorce court had ordered Bruce Pardo to pay $1,785 a month in spousal support to Slyvia. 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It is important to remember that these photos were not taken to satisfy some sick fetishists. Ted Bundy killed more than 30 women and girls, including a 12-year-old girl known as Kimberly Leach. For the small Covina Police Department, whose officers responded to one of Los Angeles Countys worst mass murders, memories also persist. "This is what he's done. Once Pardo had finished shooting, he unwrapped the homemade flamethrower and used it with gasoline and set the home alight. And when they performed autopsies on the bodies from the Ortega house, they found all of the victims had been shot at least once with a 9mm handgun. It became his obsession. Claus suit opened fire on partygoers at his former in-laws home in Homicide for the Holidays airs Saturdays at 6/5c on Oxygen. Kemper was 6'9," and he had an IQ of 145. ruins of the family home. COVINA - A gunman dressed as Santa planned on fleeing to Canada with $17,000 after committing a Christmas Eve massacre that took nine lives at the home of his former in-laws. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Leticia Yuzefpolsky's family members were killed on Christmas Eve by her ex brother-in-law, dressed as Santa. In addition to practicing gratitude, Leticia says she also stopped dwelling on the past and the man that robbed her of her family. This has to be one of the most gruesome serial killer crime scene photos ever. Barton went on a killing spree and killed his family before killing 13 others. "Our kids are our future, and we have to be the example for them," she says. Theyre burning down someones house.. It was found in Washington by hunters. My moms house is on fire!. It had. Thirteen sons and daughters lost at least one parent that night. Looks like he did have specific targets in mind, Raney said. In this 1985 photo, deputy sheriffs from Washington County are searching for victims of Gary Ridgway. And to Celebrate The Macabre is gifting out podcast treats. The police found torture devices in Dean Corll's parent's cabin. A fund was established Monday by Glendale attorney Scott Nord, who is representing the survivors. There are those moments we think weve been through the worst so this cannot break us.. I can only focus on the future," Leticia says. Dennis Rader (BTK Killer) This is one of the most famous serial killer crime scene photos in history. She was murdered while heading home. Thanks for all the support. Here's the lead in: On Christmas Eve, 2008, Bruce Pardo dressed in a Santa Claus suit, armed himself with guns and drove to a house in Covina where his ex-wife, Syliva Pardo, was celebrating with. He then returned to the front porch to grab a fuel-spraying device that was wrapped as a Christmas gift. For Yuzefpolsky, now 41, years of therapy have helped, though she still suffers from some anxiety and nightmares. He killed nine people. Above is a photo of one of John Collins' crime scenes. It was said he had 4 semi-automatic handguns and a homemade flamethrower, which hed gift wrapped. I always used to tease them that I have five sets of parents everyone telling me what to do and how to do it. What he has in the package under Today, part two of the Covina Massacre. 2008. Some of them ran through doors, broke windows with furniture and some jumped from second-story windows., PHOTO GALLERY Covina Christmas massacre aftermath. It became his obsession. Covina, California on Christmas Eve, then set the house ablaze, His brother was not at home during this occurrence. This photo shows Jones' followers after a mass suicide at Jonestown. Covina massacre victims. The photos also form an essential part of crime history. the front door to a man dressed in a Santa suit. suspect Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, in this handout photo released December Pickton is a Canadian serial killer suspected to have killed between 6 and 32 people. This photo shows a chair found in Ed Gein's house, whose base was made of human skin. During their murdering spree, they left behind some of the most unforgettable serial killer crime scene photos in history. Los Angeles County firefighters battled the blaze at the two-story home, which is located in the middle of a cul-de-sac in what police described as an upper-middle-class neighborhood. A Santa Claus suit is seen in the 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by A reporter said, This divorce shattered Bruce Pardo. home with a combustible vapor consisting partly of auto-racing fuel, He had a plane ticket to depart early Christmas morning from LAX to Canada. Some neighbors said the flames shot as high as 50 to 70 feet and said they could hear explosions inside the home. dressed as Santa Claus opened fire. The photo of this skull belonged to Ted Bundy's ninth victim, Denise Naslund. Its such a tragedy., Staff Writer Ben Baeder and the Associated Press contributed to this story, Christmas Eve massacre leaves 9 dead in Covina, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), LA County restaurants must provide recyclable dishes beginning May 1, El Monte man gets 21 years for killing his boss at Alhambra newspaper, Yellen says US could hit debt ceiling as soon as June 1, The cost of high-speed rail in California might surprise you, Accused killer was a nice guy, usher at Montrose church, Christmas for quiet Covina neighborhood will never be the same, Baldwin Park man arrested after fatal hit and run in Irwindale, Norwalk, Mayfair baseball players suspended after disturbing brawl, will miss some playoff games, LA County Fair 2023: Hot Cheetos Cheese Pickle Pizza, dining discounts, much smore, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, San Gabriel Valley baseball teams learn their opponents for CIF Southern Section playoffs, 5 best Mothers Day dining options in the San Gabriel Valley, San Gabriel Valley softball teams learn their opponents for CIF Southern Section playoffs, Santa Anita horse racing consensus picks, Sunday, April 30, 2023, Organizers cancel Pasadena Chalk Festival, sparking move to keep it in the city, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. at his former in-laws and opened fire, killing at nine people before taking his own life. His crimes inspired several horror films. Between the shooting and the fire, Leticia lost her mother, her father, two sisters, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and a nephew. The picture above shows the bodies of the cult members after they killed themselves. He infamously said he had killed the nurses because "It just wasn't their night.". But she was far from alone in her losses. The suit was wired with a device that was hooked to a trip wire which would ignite a flare inside the car. In the middle of investigating the chaotic scene, police also received a tip from a neighbor. A Bomb Squad and L.A. County sheriff's office official CrimeDoor is a trusted news resource for those seeking the freshest perspective on cases worldwide. This is one of the earliest serial killer crime scene photos in history. The photo shows one of the many crimes committed by The Zodiac Killer, who terrorized Northern California in the 60s and 70s. The serial killer was estimated to have killed over 70 women, although he claimed to have murdered close to 90 people. plans and enthusiasm Officials have released photos, bodycam footage, and a 911 call from last month's incident involving former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who was allegedly found drunk in a hotel room with a male escort suffering an apparent drug overdose. He kidnapped, raped, tortured, and killed at least 28 men and boys during his reign. In this photo, the body of Wanda Skala, a 17-year-old, is being recovered from a construction site. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Imagine having a good at a family Christmas Party and it ends in tragedy. He is famous for asking, "You can't rape a prostitute, can you?". home where Pardo killed himself with a gun. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. PHOTOS: The massacre at Columbine High School and the days that followed Breaking News News PHOTOS: The Columbine High School shooting and the community that came together in its wake. Covina Massacre On the night of December 24th, 2008, a large family Christmas party was winding down. A place for all my true crime interests. April 26, 201601:53. A jury has recommended he be sentenced to life in prison with a chance at . But this was at a whole other level.. Due to his Let's get completely out of any kind of holiday spirit by diving into a senseless and tragic On December 24, 2008 a man showed up at a Christmas party in Covina, CA, wearing a Santa suit On the night of December 24th, 2008, a large family Christmas party was winding down. The cult leader was indirectly involved in the murder of 30 people and indirectly tried to kill over 5,000 people between 1987 and 1995. A long time after Columbine, I did ultimately receive crime-scene photos of the school-library killing floor. said a caller California police say the gunman who killed nine people in a Christmas Eve bloodbath at his ex-in-laws home, intended to flee to Canada but was severely Officials have discovered nine bodies in a house believed to have been burnt down by Bruce Pardo, who dressed up as Santa and committed a shooting spree. Pardo and Sylvia married in January 2006, but not long after grew apart when Pardo refused to open a joint account with his newly wedded wife along with Pardo expecting his wife to take care of her own three children with her own finances. #15. Another follow-up with a mass shooting survivor: What life is like now for a VA Tech survivor who was shot 4 times. Today Kate and I talk about the Santa Claus shooter, Bruce Jeffrey On December 24th, 2008 Bruce Pardo, dressed as Santa Claus entered the home of the Ortega family On this festive episode of We Need To Talk About Movies Crime Scene to Screen Series Joe McElroy Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for one family it turned For this first episode, I decided to give you a holiday themed tidbit. (AFP/Getty Images). We strive to bring awareness back into focus with our coverage, which features Crime stories that are underpinned by reliable information from up-to-date sources, as told by compassionate storytellers. An 8-year-old girl answered the door and was immediately shot in the face, officials said. Pardo began firing his handgun as soon as the door opened -- one of his first shots hit Leticia's 8-year-old daughter, who had run to greet him -- and he continued to unleash a hail of bullets as party-goers fled. After running out of bullets, Calif., that was set on fire during Pardos resume was found at the location as well, Raney said. Police didnt think their deaths were purely coincidence, and they believed their suspect was still at large. COVINA It was a Christmas Eve massacre, a mass murder so chilling that it was unimaginable even to a 30-year veteran of the Covina Police Department. Ten children are now orphaned as a result of the massacre, according to family friends. with the remnants of the Santa suit rigged to a homemade fire bomb. Our interactive experience takes you through the victims' stories, providing clarity to deepen your knowledge about what happened and why. A group of neighbors gathered Thursday to discuss the events of the night before. A Christmas Day trip to church now is followed by a trip to the cemetery. Law enforcement officials said Pardo intended to flee to Canada but was severely burned before he killed himself. home that left eight people dead in Covina, California December 26, I appreciate that.". Inside was parts of his santa suit which was found out to ignite a flame and detonate the car if removed. According to talk there is some discussion being that the divorce may have been caused by Pardo concealing a child from a previous relationship. Gary tried to kill more than 12 people but killed at least four people. (background) are in use to process the crime scene. This undated police handout photograph shows a makeshift gas After putting out an APB on the car, police started sifting through the Ortegas scorched home. The Pardos were married in 2006. sit on the property Neighbors and Raney said the Ortega family apparently had a yearly tradition where a neighbor dresses up as Santa and comes to the house and joins in the festivities. Tents (background) are in use to process the crime scene. PHOTO GALLERY Covina Christmas massacre evidence. Police believed Bruce might have planning on also murdering Scott, who resided over their somewhat contentious proceeding.. On Aug. 8, 1969, he orders a pack of his followers to go to Terry Melcher's old house -- and kill everyone inside. which the compressor came from are seen in this handout photo Posted: December 26, 2021. A video image showing firefighters outside a blazing house in #14. car in flames, but no one was hurt. He would lure his victims and their families there so that they could be killed on camera, creating some of the most gruesome serial killer crime scene photos in history. The Covina home was devastated by flames that engulfed it Wednesday night and into the early morning of Christmas Day. Our library is built with an all-inclusive goal: providing trustworthy resources for our community of advocates and experts. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! I think that he decided that he wasnt just gonna kill her, but he was gonna kill everything that she loved and take it, wipe it off the face of the earth.. Armed with four semi-automatic handguns, Pardo continued into the home and began firing indiscriminately at the 25 guests attending the party. On December 24, 2008, the Ortega family invited all five of their adult children and their families to their home in Covina, California, a quiet, low-crime community about 22 miles east of Los Angeles. If there was ever a sign that Covina is a small town not used to mass tragedy, perhaps it was the barricades used to string crime scene tape outside the demolished Ortega home. That is why many of these photos are familiar to many. Instead driving to kill Sylvias attorney, Bruce then went to his brothers, where he killed himself because of how badly he was burned. The caller cried, Come immediately! They said SWAT officers ordered them to stay in their homes Wednesday night as they canvassed the neighborhood, unsure if the gunman was still in the area. Before killing himself, Pardo used a homemade flamethrower to then set the house on fire in a raging blaze. An overwhelming but hard-to-describe feeling of loss often sneaks up on her, especially in December. In today's episode we discuss the tragic 2008 Christmas Eve killings in Covina, CA. In a final act of destruction encountered by authorities after Pardo where he killed nine Christmas Eve party guests. Pardo held no criminal record and had no history of violence, which is why nobody suspected an attack. A burnt vehicle sits on a tow truck as it is removed from the Nine people were killed at a Christmas Eve party. He killed 21 people before he was stopped, but he is remembered as one of the deadliest lone shooters in United States history. The nature of injuries have not been determined; their bodies are severely burned and charred, Winter said. - Washington Post Kevin Sterne's story of resilience and recovery as a Virginia Tech shooting victim began. Pardo began shooting at fleeing members of the party (it was said there was around 25 people at the party). In the above photo, authorities are investigating a burnt Pontiac that contained the bodies of two of his victims. From 1974 to 1991, Dennis Rader murdered ten people. COVINA - It was a Christmas Eve massacre, a mass murder so chilling that it was unimaginable even to a 30-year veteran of the Covina Police Department. where he killed nine Christmas Eve party guests. Police believed Bruce had been planning on escaping to Mexico after his killing spree. Throughout the late morning and early. She was the only one of his victims he did not mutilate. She said Pardo had been employed as a computer engineer at JPL, but was recently laid off. I know this is a super short case, but I wanted to do a post today! Along with finding $17,000 in cash, which was secured to his legs inside a girdle. The only Ortega family members police could locate was Leticia, who had managed to escape the fire with her husband and 8-year-old daughter and make it to a neighbors house. Welcome to episode of Myths, Magic & Murder. Once Bruces autopsy was finished, investigators were able to conclude he had committed suicide, and that there was no second shooter. The case with its house fire, many crime scenes and multiple victims on a rainy holiday has proven to be a teachable moment for other departments around the country. Ramirez was found guilty of killing 20 people and attempting to kill eight others between 1973 and 1985. Orange ribbons tied to trees and mailboxes on East Knollcrest Drive were meant to symbolize the citys historic past as a citrus town and show that a neighborhood can triumph over tragedy, neighbors said. From 1974 to 1991, Dennis Rader murdered ten people. The owners of the home at 1129 Knollcrest Drive, and their daughter, were believed to be among the victims, police said. Crime scene photos also turned into collectibles over time. The taxi driver, Paul Stine, was killed in 1969. Yuzefpolsky and her husband took in her sisters youngest daughter. Your email address will not be published. The 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by suspect Bruce Jeffrey Pardo is Police believe he didnt initially plan to kill himself, as he left no note. Police discovered the body of the gunman, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, of Montrose, at his brothers home in the 15800 block of Joseph Court in Sylmar early Thursday. We are assuming that he did.. Pardo began firing his handgun as soon as the door opened -- one of . On December 24, 2008, Bruce Pardo went to his ex-wife's family's house dressed at Santa Claus, armed with multiple weapons and a flamethrower. Sylvia is their daughter. Theres some information that he stood over (some of) them and shot them execution-style., All indications are that (Pardo) intended to commit this crime and then flee the country.. Pardo knocked on the door and when an 8-year-old girl answered, she was immediately shot in the face. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Bruce Pardo. Pardo dressed in a Santa Claus costume burst into a Christmas The 10 detectives who worked the case all remain with the department. Police said they believe Pardo set the house on fire before fleeing. The homemade device was comprised of a tank filled with a compressed gas identified as either carbon dioxide or oxygen and another smaller tank containing high-octane racing fuel. We also do not have identities; we probably will have to use dental and medical X-rays.. Covina police Lt. Pat Buchanan said that in his investigation, he's found that most people who knew Pardo agree that this attack was completely unexpected and out of character. A hearing in the case was held Dec. 18, in Superior Court. Public records indicate the house is owned by Joe Ortega, 80, and his wife Alicia, 70. The Ortegas, Joseph and Alice, loved Christmas, and it was their favorite time of the year to spend time with their two oldest sons, James and Charles, and their daughters Leticia, Alicia and Sylvia. The bodies were found in his crawl space, helping create some of the most sickening serial killer crime scene photos we have today. #13. which quickly ignited in an explosion, gutting the dwelling. Chief Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County Coroners Office. with the remnants of the Santa suit rigged to a homemade fire bomb. Eve party at the Ortega home in Covina. Wake up to the day's most important news. PHOTO GALLERY Covina Christmas massacre aftermath. To hear more about the Covina massacre case, listen to episode 49 of our Martinis & Murder podcast. Eric and Dylan's gear on display. It is so strong, and when people come together with a lot of love, you can't really break that," she says. Many of these serial killer crime scene photos also offered essential clues that led to the capture of the depraved killers responsible for the murders. On April 20, 1999, teenagers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed twelve students and one teacher, injured twenty-one others, and then committed suicide. In this 1938 photo, investigators are looking over the bones of two people the Cleveland Torso Murderer had killed. All divorces are bad, said Lt. Tim Doonan. Thats most likely the familys abiding message. The serial killer told them about the location of the remains. We are going through a lot of background work to find out more about who he is and what might have been his motivation besides the obvious marital issues, Raney said. Authorities released 911 calls from Wednesday's mass killing in Covina, California. . He disguised himself as a family man and a church leader, and he would taunt the police with details of his brutal crimes before he was finally arrested. Jack the Ripper was never caught, and he was linked to 5 murders. AP journalists in more than 100 countries tell the worlds stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting to visual storytelling. Few serial killer crime scene photos are as unforgettable as the images the mass suicide generated. Different type of magazine from a different gun, photographed from outside the building. Police on Friday released an 11-minute transcription of one of the calls. Words cannot convey the sadness and horror I feel about the tragedy that has unfolded in the heart of our community, Romeros statement began. a Christmas Eve murder rampage. People believed to be relatives of the Ortegas gather near the Prado from a house in Sylmar. Among those paying a visit to the home in the hours after the tragedy was West Covina Councilman Mike Touhey. Once you mix those two together it turns into a vapor which he atomized the house with, Raney said. The bodies have not yet been identified as they are badly burned. Everywhere you turn there are memories of what we used to have, and then memories of that night. To keep creating Police discovered $17,000 plastic-wrapped to Pardos leg and inside a girdle he was wearing. These retailers will take them, How the Hollywood Bowl put together the ultimate party for Willie Nelsons 90th birthday, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Carol Sanchez, who claims to be Pardos ex-girlfriend , pulled up to the front of the crime scene Friday. In July of 2008, Bruces employer realized Bruce had been fraudulently billing clients for hours he didnt actually work and was fired. And Bruce began to plot ways to get back at Sylvia. It was not clear Friday whether the victims died from the fire or gunshots. 'My mom's house is on fire!' A total of 40 people ended up dead in the mass suicide, helping create some pretty bone-chilling serial killer crime scene photos in the process. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Photos are crucial in helping solve crimes. This image shows workers digging up Dean Corll's victims in August 1973 in one of the most disturbing serial killer crime scene photos. He obviously just went psycho after the divorce! placed within it exploded, in this Its been said that Pardo suffered from severe third-degree burns on his arms which had occurred from the fire this makes police believe he didnt follow through with his Canadian escape route due to his injuries.Police searched Pardos house in Montrose, they recovered five empty boxes for semi-automatic handguns, two shotguns, and a container for high octane fuel tank gasoline.

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