Christmas Eve shootings in Covina

Mourners arrive at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in San Dimas to celebrate a Mass for the nine members of a Covina family killed during a Christmas Eve shooting rampage.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Fred Duran and Charlene Carbajal, both of whom knew Cheri Ortega, one of the victims, visit the site of the Ortega home in Covina. Carbajal said her son and Cheri Ortega’s son were close friends. Duran, who attended the same school as Cheri Ortega, said his sister and Cheri were school friends.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Flowers and stuffed animals are part of an impromptu memorial at the edge of where the Ortega family home used to stand.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

A woman believed to be a relative of the family leaves flowers at the Ortega property.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

People believed to be relatives of the Ortegas gather near the ruins of the family home.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Smoke rises from the site of the burned home in Covina. Partygoers fled the house in panic, running to neighbors’ homes and calling police.

Back to article  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

A Los Angeles County coroner’s official reviews the scene at the home where a man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire, killing six.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Firefighters survey the damaged home on Christmas morning.

Back to article  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

A firefighter removes debris from the scene in Covina.

Back to article  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

After the shootings, the house burned nearly to the ground.

Back to article  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

An LAPD officer surveys the scene at a house in Sylmar where Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, was found dead from a single gunshot to the head. Police suspect Pardo of killing six people at a Christmas Eve party in Covina.

Back to article  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)