Christmas Eve Massacre in Covina, Los Angeles: Nine Killed by Man Dressed as Santa
On Christmas Eve in Covina, Los Angeles, a horrific attack unfolded when a man dressed as Santa Claus entered a family gathering and opened fire, killing nine people and injuring several others.
The perpetrator, 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, was reported to have targeted his ex-wife, Sylvia Ortega, following a contentious divorce finalized just days earlier. According to reports, Pardo had been struggling financially after losing his job and was reportedly upset over the settlement, which included $10,000, their wedding ring, and custody of their dog.
Guests at the party, which included around 25 family members and children, tried to escape the attack by smashing windows, hiding behind furniture, and fleeing upstairs. Pardo reportedly shot an eight-year-old girl in the face, then used one or two semi-automatic handguns to fire throughout the house. Before leaving, he poured an accelerant over the area and set it ablaze. Nine people were later confirmed dead, their identities established through dental records due to the severity of the fire.
The victims included Sylvia Ortega Pardo (43), her parents Alicia Sotomayor Ortega (70) and Joseph S. Ortega (79), and several of her siblings and relatives. Three others, including a teenager and two young adults, survived despite injuries sustained during the attack.
Pardo was later found dead at a relative’s home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered five firearms near his body. His vehicle, parked nearby and containing explosives, detonated the following day. Investigators noted that Pardo had planned to flee the area, possibly to Canada, had he not been injured.
Friends and neighbors described Pardo as a friendly and active member of his community and church, noting that his actions came as a shock to everyone who knew him.
This tragic event remains one of the deadliest holiday-related attacks in Los Angeles history, leaving the community grappling with the devastating loss of life during what is normally a season of celebration.