NYC mom Valeria Ortega killed by stray bullet remembered as generous caregiver
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: The family of Valeria Ortega is in mourning following her untimely death. The 64-year-old New York woman was shot by a stray bullet while walking to the supermarket in front of her son Charlie. The tragic incident occurred around 11.31 am on December 26 at Dyckman Street and Vermilyea Avenue, just a few blocks from her home in Inwood. Ortega, who was known by her family as being too generous and kind, was reportedly taken to a Harlem hospital, but succumbed to her injuries shortly after and was pronounced dead.
Ortega leaves behind a loving family of three children, a husband, and a 101-year-old mother, according to Daily News. Family, friends, and loved ones gathered at the 64-year-old home to pay their respect to Ortega's husband Antonio, and children. “She was a really good person. Really good. A great person,” said heartbroken friend Juana Herrera. “Really kind, really sweet. Incomparable,” reported the source. Authorities reported the shooter opened fire from a sedan at two men on a scooter over a dispute but Ortega was struck in the crossfire.
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Ortega was remembered as an exceptional person who not only cared for her own bloodline but for everyone in distress. Herrera tearfully recalled Ortega and said, “She was an exceptional person," adding she cared for her elderly 101-year mother, Antigua, for 12 hours a day for four years. The 64-year-old allegedly helped elderly and disabled neighbors, community members informed The News, according to the source. “All she was about was her family,” said one of Ortega’s son’s friends, who did not want to be named. “She took care of her sick mother who’s on oxygen. The lady on the fourth floor, she’s blind, she took care of her, too. The lady isn’t even related to her."
Witnesses who saw and heard the harrowing ordeal said three rounds of shots erupted before they saw Ortega facedown bleeding on the pavement. The mother of three was believed to be on her way to shop for her family and neighbors. Distraught relatives of Ortega have set up a sweet memorial for her with roses and candles alongside a framed picture of the slain victim in front of her building. “Make sure you put out that she was an important lady around here,” a family member setting it up said. “I see her every morning with her little cart shopping for the family, for other people, too,” the man added. “I don’t want to believe it. She was a blessing,” he remarked. An investigation is ongoing, no arrests have been made.