Alleged Female Gang Member Charged With Murder of LAX Employee

LOS ANGELES – A murder charge was filed today against an alleged female gang member in connection with the killing of a Los Angeles International Airport employee, shot to death at an intersection in South Los Angeles.

Authorities said the victim was on her way home from work and the shooting appeared to be unprovoked.

Assistant Head Deputy Peter Cagney of Hardcore Gang Division said Jessica Ortega, 30 (dob 09/28/77), is charged in case No. BA339084 with one count of murder. The count carries two special allegations that the principal intentionally discharged a firearm causing death and that the offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang.

Ortega is due to be arraigned this afternoon at Los Angeles Superior Court, Department 30. Prosecutors allege that Ortega, whose moniker is "Gorda," is a member of the Playboys Gang.

On April 10, just after midnight, victim Samantha Padilla was on her way home from work when she exited the northbound 110 freeway at Slauson Avenue. While stopped at a traffic signal, Padilla was shot and killed in her car.

Bail for Ortega was recommended at $2 million. If convicted as charged, Ortega faces a maximum state prison sentence of 50 years to life.