Orlando Ortega Murder - One Year Ago
I feel like I have been writing this…draft after draft…for about a year now! But, I think it’s finally coming together. Maybe it was the grey sky this morning and finding myself walking by “the spot” on Sweetzer where tragedy struck a chord in my (at the time) ego-centric life. Never the lesss, if you are reading this, all I can say is that I hope you have been lucky enough to have crossed paths (no matter how brief or inconsequential at the time) with someone like my friend Orlando Ortega.
No we weren’t best buds from college or long-time friends, but as a stranger in a new big city he was one of the bright spots……no, he represented hope and kindness, to me. It’s been a little over a year now, but I remember so vividly being the new kid in town and going out with my best friend Todd to “Fiesta Cantina” here in West Hollywood. “Georgia Boy in the house!” Orlando shouted as he checked my ID when came in. Remember, I had only been in town a few weeks and didn’t know what that meant exactly…until he grabbed my shoulder and raised his hand and said “give this redneck a few shots!” 
I was having a tough time adjusting to the new digs and the whole “LA scene” and Orlando was actually the first person that took the time out to get to know me….and allowed me to get to know him. This guy was charisma with a capital “C”, but could make anyone feel at ease. I am trying to search for the best words here…he was a just a kind spirit all around that made you feel at ease. Someone you wished the best for. Someone who deserved the best.
Unfortunately, that’s not what he got; and my friend, my little ray of light during a dark time of my life, was murdered senselessly and brutally on May 29, 2007…just two blocks from where I slept. I can’t explain it, I don’t try to even justify it with the “bad things happen to good people” phrase. I just know that on that day a wonderful light was extinguished and many, many people still wonder why. Including me.
Orlando Ortega, February 16, 1975 - May 29, 2007. Take a look at his life and check out these links. Then, think about all the great people that surround you and support you…be thankful for every minute you have with them.
Filed under: knbc orlando ortega murder west hollywood, orlando ortega
I did have the honor of meeting Orlando when we were kids. He had the brightest eyes anyone can possibly have. I feel in love at the first meeting. He was and will always be a special part of my life! I wish I had reunited with him in my older years. He seems to have had many friends!!! Rest in Peace Black Panther!