On February 14, 2024, at approximately 2:36 a.m., Long Beach police officers responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Chestnut Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered 36-year-old Jamie Jones suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to a local hospital, Jones succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations revealed that Jones had been involved in an argument with his roommate, 44-year-old Damion Videl Castro. The dispute escalated, culminating in Castro allegedly shooting Jones inside their shared residence. Castro fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
After a month-long investigation, on March 14, 2024, detectives from the Special Investigation Division located Castro in the Hollywood area. He was arrested and booked into the Long Beach City Jail on charges including murder, prohibited possession of a firearm, prohibited possession of ammunition, a parole violation, and a fugitive warrant. Castro is being held without bail.
In connection with the case, 44-year-old Danielle Mika Payne was also arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder. She is being held on $50,000 bail.
The case was scheduled to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244 or to submit anonymous tips through "LA Crime Stoppers."
