David James Castillo was a 22-year-old Hispanic man who was shot and killed in East Los Angeles on December 21, 2020. The attack happened at about 5:35 p.m. in the 5600 block of Via Corona Avenue, near 5639 Via Corona Avenue. Castillo was struck by gunfire and died at the scene before he could be transported to a hospital.

A second man, reported to be 31, was also shot and survived after being taken to a hospital. Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau investigated, examined the scene and sought witnesses to identify who opened fire. The investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of Victor Tomotsu Haak, who was charged with murder for Castillo’s death and attempted murder for the wounded man. Haak was convicted of murder and attempted murder and later received a sentence of 82 years to life in state prison.

This victim is David James Castillo; his death occurred shortly before Christmas in 2020. If anyone knew Castillo, witnessed the shooting that evening or has information that could add to the record, please come forward.