SOUTH BEND, IN — Community in Shock After Fatal Southeast Side Shooting Claims Life of Kristina Ortiz
SOUTH BEND, IN — Community in Shock After Fatal Southeast Side Shooting Claims Life of Kristina Ortiz
SOUTH BEND, IN – A quiet Saturday evening was shattered by gunfire on South Bend’s southeast side, leaving a family grieving and a community reeling after 37-year-old Kristina Ortiz was shot and killed in the 500 block of Wenger Street. The shooting occurred just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in a residential area near Southeast Park, the YWCA, and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The South Bend Police Department confirmed Ortiz’s identity late Sunday evening. According to authorities, she died at the scene from gunshot wounds. An autopsy was conducted on Monday in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as the investigation into her death continues.
The fatal shooting unfolded in a neighborhood filled with families and children, sending shockwaves through the community. Residents in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by the sound of sirens and the chaos of emergency responders arriving on the scene.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
One resident, who spoke to WNDU under the condition of anonymity, recounted the terrifying phone call she received from her daughter, who was home at the time of the shooting.
“I wasn’t home,” she said. “I got a call from my daughter, and she was crying, panicked. She said, ‘Mom, there’s been a shooting right outside. There’s a woman on the ground.’ I’ve never heard my child sound like that in my life.”
The woman rushed home immediately and found her street blocked off with yellow police tape and a heavy police presence. “It’s heartbreaking. This is a neighborhood with kids. People were outside. It could’ve been anyone,” she added.
The Investigation So Far
Police have not yet released details about a possible suspect or motive. Investigators canvassed the area throughout the weekend, interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. At this time, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We know this happened in a residential area where people may have seen or heard something,” a spokesperson for the South Bend Police Department said. “If you have any footage from doorbell cameras or any information, no matter how small, we ask you to contact our investigators.”
The Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, and tips can be submitted anonymously to Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP (7867).
Remembering Kristina Ortiz
Friends and family of Kristina Ortiz are mourning the sudden and violent loss of a woman described as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her family. Though details about her personal life remain private at this time, social media posts from loved ones reflect a deep sorrow and disbelief.
“Kristina didn’t deserve this,” one friend wrote on Facebook. “She was a mother, a sister, a friend. She had a good heart. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Community members gathered on Sunday evening for a makeshift candlelight vigil near the scene of the shooting, laying flowers and lighting candles in her memory.
A City Grappling with Gun Violence
The tragedy adds to a growing concern over rising gun violence in South Bend. City leaders and law enforcement have been working to address a troubling uptick in shootings, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Southeast South Bend, a historically underserved part of the city, has seen several violent incidents in recent months, sparking calls for increased community policing, investment in youth programs, and more accessible mental health services.
“Our hearts go out to the Ortiz family and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said a city councilmember. “We must come together as a community and do the hard work of preventing more tragedies like this from happening.”
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, Kristina Ortiz’s family prepares to lay her to rest. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.
This incident remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
