Raymond William Castillo Jr., a 36-year-old Hispanic male from Fort Worth, Texas, was tragically found dead on November 22, 2019, at his apartment in the Post Oak Apartments near Post Oak and Trinity Boulevard. Castillo, who worked as a security guard and had served in the Navy for 10 years, was discovered by friends who had gone to check on him after not hearing from him.
They found the door unlocked and Castillo lying on his couch, having been shot twice in the head and once in the back.
The investigation into Castillo's death led to the arrest of 18-year-old Elijah Bankhead, who was charged with capital murder. Surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying Bankhead as the suspect. Castillo's Dodge Charger was found abandoned near a Dallas car wash, and investigators discovered gun boxes and a holster in a trashcan at the scene. Bankhead, who had been seen with Castillo on surveillance video at a gas station two days before the murder, was believed to have robbed and shot Castillo during an argument at Castillo's apartment.
Bankhead's arrest came after a tip from a viewer who recognized him from the surveillance footage aired by FOX 4. During questioning, Bankhead reportedly told police that Castillo had asked him to leave, and he claimed to have taken an Uber to Dallas before walking home. However, investigators found inconsistencies in his story and gathered enough evidence to charge him with Castillo's murder.
The case highlighted Castillo's kind-hearted nature and his dedication to helping others, including mentoring troubled individuals and volunteering with the Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club. His family and friends continue to seek justice for his untimely death, hoping to find closure and honor his memory.
