Joseph Ortega, 21, was fatally shot on December 21, 2024 at about 5:00 a.m. in the 9000 block of Sovereign Row in northwest Dallas. Officers who responded to reports of a shooting found Ortega with a gunshot wound; Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation says an unknown suspect fired and fled before authorities arrived. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear.

The Dallas Police Department is investigating under incident number 189871-2024. Detective Frank Serra is leading the case and can be contacted at 214-662-4552 or [email protected]. Crime Stoppers is accepting anonymous tips and is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment. Ortega’s family and friends have established an online memorial where loved ones are sharing memories.

If anyone has information about what happened in the 9000 block of Sovereign Row that morning, please contact Detective Serra or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.