Rowegie Abanto

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Nilo Ortiz

ABS-CBN News

<p>LOS ANGELES — More than eight months after the tragic death of 78-year-old Nilo Ortiz, his family is still searching for answers and justice while coping with grief.</p><p>Ortiz, a member of the Filipino-American community, died after what authorities say was a robbery-related incident in Panorama City, California.</p><p>According to witness testimony and evidence presented in court, Ortiz and his wife were leaving a shopping center&#x27;s parking lot when they were approached by individuals believed to be carrying out a distraction theft scam commonly referred to in Filipino communities as “budol-budol.” </p><p>Court records indicate that one of the suspects allegedly tried to place jewelry on Ortiz’s wrist while attempting to gain access to his valuables and cash. Sensing that something was wrong, Ortiz’s wife stepped in and grabbed the watch the suspects were allegedly targeting. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/public-service/2026/6/9/filipino-family-turns-father-s-death-in-la-into-call-for-senior-safety-awareness-2349">Filipino family turns father’s death in LA into call for senior safety awareness</a></div><p>Her intervention disrupted the scheme, but the situation quickly took a tragic turn. As Ortiz remained near the suspects’ vehicle, trying to make sense of what had just happened, the driver allegedly began to pull away. Moments later, the vehicle reportedly turned suddenly, causing Ortiz to fall onto the pavement. </p><p>Witnesses rushed to call for help as Ortiz’s wife stayed by his side, pleading for assistance. Emergency responders arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital. </p><p>Although Ortiz initially survived, he suffered serious head injuries and internal bleeding. Despite efforts by medical staff, he later died from those injuries. </p><p>For the Ortiz family, the loss has left a lasting void. </p><p>“What happened to my father was not a simple accident,” said his daughter, Rhiza Pascua. “He left home that day expecting to run errands with my mother. Instead, our family lost him forever.” </p><p>The criminal case remains active in Los Angeles County Superior Court. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;INCREDIBLY PAINFUL&#x27;</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>During the latest hearing, testimony and evidence continued to shed light on the events leading up to Ortiz’s death. One of the most emotional moments came when Ortiz’s widow took the stand and recounted the final moments she shared with her husband.</p><p>“The court heard directly from the person who witnessed the tragedy unfold,” Pascua said. “Reliving those moments has been incredibly painful for my mother, but she remains committed to seeing this process through.”</p><p>The family continues to attend every court hearing and remains hopeful that the legal process will ultimately bring justice for Ortiz.</p><p>Beyond the courtroom, the case has sparked conversations throughout the community about public safety, organized theft schemes, and whether businesses and property owners are doing enough to protect customers.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>OTHER STORIES:</strong></div><div><strong></strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/4/1/bini-celebrates-filipino-heritage-night-in-la-1237">BINI celebrates Filipino Heritage Night in LA</a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/30/teodoro-meets-us-hegseth-at-shangri-la-dialogue-in-singapore-1619">Teodoro meets US&#x27; Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore </a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/6/11/here-s-how-to-get-tickets-for-lalala-fest-manila-this-august-1335">Here’s how to get tickets for Lalala Fest Manila this August </a> <strong></strong></div>

<p>More than eight months after the tragic death of 78-year-old Nilo Ortiz, his family is still searching for answers and justice while coping with grief.</p>

More than eight months after the tragic death of 78-year-old Nilo Ortiz, his family is still searching for answers and justice while coping with grief.

Family of elderly man killed in LA grocery run seeks justice as criminal case moves forward

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Family of elderly man killed in LA grocery run seeks justice as criminal case moves forward

ABS-CBN News

Published June 16, 2026 12:39 PM PHT

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Nilo Ortiz

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