Suspect at Large After Fatal Shooting of Woman and 1-Year-Old Grandson in Allentown

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) —
Police in Allentown, Pennsylvania are currently on the hunt for a suspect who tragically took the lives of a 44-year-old woman, Ada Ortiz, and her 1-year-old grandson, Sebastian Serrano. The incident occurred on December 29, 2023, inside a residence situated along the 100 block of Chestnut Street.

Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the alleged shooter, Gabriel Cartagena, aged 43. Cartagena is wanted on multiple charges, including two counts of criminal homicide.

In a related development, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has released the names of the victims in the gruesome triple shooting incident that shocked the community of Allentown.

According to the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect, Gabriel Cartagena, allegedly entered the residence on Chestnut Street around 8:40 p.m. and opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of Ada Ortiz and Sebastian Serrano Jr. The victims were discovered in the living room by law enforcement officials.

Responding to the distressing scene, police officers also found a third victim, identified as Leandro Ortiz, Ada’s husband. Leandro had sustained a gunshot wound to his upper left side chest. Meanwhile, a 7-year-old child, referred to as R.S., narrowly escaped harm as Leandro shielded the young individual from the assailant’s gunfire.

At present, Gabriel Cartagena remains at large, and authorities caution the public to consider him armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact emergency services by dialing 911.

The condition of Leandro Ortiz, who sustained a gunshot wound, is yet to be determined. Thankfully, the 7-year-old child mentioned earlier emerged from the ordeal unharmed.

The motive behind this tragic shooting incident is currently under investigation, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence.