Phoenix Castanon, a 19-year-old Navy sailor from Arizona, was tragically shot and killed on May 8, 2022, in West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Castanon was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois and was nearing the end of his training to become a Gunner's Mate. On the night of his death, Castanon was with his fiancée and a friend. The friend was walking home when she was approached by Derrick Williams, who attempted to force her into his vehicle.
She managed to escape and ran towards Castanon and his fiancée, who were waiting nearby in their SUV. Castanon drove to confront Williams, and during the confrontation, Williams shot Castanon, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Derrick Williams, 38, was arrested on July 20, 2022, by West Allis Police Department detectives and SWAT personnel. He was charged with first-degree intentional homicide three days later. The investigation revealed that Williams' vehicle, a red GMC Acadia, was captured on surveillance video leaving the area of the crime shortly after the shooting. Additional evidence was gathered when Williams was stopped by Milwaukee police for a separate incident on May 29, 2022, during which a firearm was seen and a gunshot was heard coming from his vehicle. The State Crime Lab confirmed that the gun used in the May 29 incident was the same one used in the fatal shooting of Castanon.
Williams was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon on May 24, 2024, after a jury deliberated for one day. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 42 years. The trial revealed that Castanon was trying to protect his friend when he was shot. Williams' mother confirmed to police that her son had called her in the early hours of May 8, 2022, crying and stating that he had accidentally shot someone.
This tragic incident highlights the bravery and protective nature of Phoenix Castanon, who lost his life while defending a friend. The legal proceedings have resulted in a life sentence for Derrick Williams, ensuring that justice is served for Castanon's untimely death.
