Frederick Andreas Castro, a 23-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on April 2, 2016, in the Florence-Firestone area of South Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, the incident occurred around 5:32 p.m. when Castro and a friend were standing near their cars in their neighborhood. A white car approached them, and someone inside the vehicle fired two rounds, striking Castro once.
The car then sped away, heading west on 59th Street before turning north onto Hooper Avenue. Despite his friends' efforts to rush him to the hospital, Castro was pronounced dead at 5:38 p.m.
Initially, investigators believed that Castro was a gang member and that the shooting was gang-related. However, further investigation revealed that while the shooting was indeed gang-related, Castro himself was not a gang member. He had just returned home from work and was talking to a neighbor when the shooting occurred. Witnesses reported seeing two Latino individuals in the white, four-door car that fled the scene.
Castro's death left a significant impact on his family and community. He was the youngest of seven children and had recently started working at American Transportation Systems, where he was known for his reliability and dedication. His wife, Yesenia Villegas, described him as a devoted father to their three children and someone who always prioritized his family. His manager at work also spoke highly of him, noting his enthusiasm and strong work ethic.
The investigation into Castro's murder is ongoing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau is handling the case and has urged anyone with information to come forward. Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large. The authorities continue to seek leads and have encouraged the public to provide any information that could help solve the case.
