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'It's heartbreaking:' 13-year-old killed, two teens arrested in Gardere-area shooting

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BATON ROUGE — Wildwood Elementary School called the death of former student Joshua Ortega an "unimaginable loss." 

Ortega, a 13-year-old boy, was fatally shot in an accidental shooting near Gardere Lane. East Baton Rouge Parish deputies say that Ortega's body was found by his family around 3:40 a.m. on Monday in a field behind Saint Croix Avenue. 

Detectives say Ortega and two other teenagers were playing with a handgun and taking pictures when the gun fired. Officials said the two other boys left the scene without seeking help; they were later arrested. 

Ortega was a middle school student attending Westdale Middle School when he died. 

His former elementary school said, "he brightened hallways with his smile, built lifelong friendships, and made memories that will forever be a part of our Wildcat family." 

"From participating in our Spanish Immersion program to celebrating a soccer championship, Joshua left a lasting mark on our school community," Wildwood Elementary said in a Facebook post. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua’s family and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss. May they find comfort in the many lives he touched and the memories that will live on.

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BATON ROUGE — Wildwood Elementary School called the death of former student Joshua Ortega an "unimaginable loss." Ortega, a... More >>
15 hours ago Tuesday, November 10 2026 Nov 10, 2026 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 12:54:00 PM CST November 10, 2026
BATON ROUGE — Two 13-year-old boys were arrested after another 13-year-old boy was killed in an accidental shooting in the... More >>
1 day ago Monday, November 09 2026 Nov 9, 2026 Monday, November 09, 2026 10:59:00 PM CST November 09, 2026

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