Castroville, California — A shooting incident that occurred Thursday night has escalated into a murder investigation following the death of one of two men involved. The altercation took place in a parking lot near the Castroville Mini Mart just before 9 p.m., and the victim succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning, according to local law enforcement officials.
On Friday, deputies returned to the scene to canvas the area for information, speaking with nearby business owners and residents. Mary Ramirez, a longtime Castroville resident, expressed her concern about the incident’s impact on the community, stating, “It’s pretty sad what’s happening with our community.” Similarly, store owner David Mohamed, who initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, noted the growing sense of unease among locals. “We’ve lived here for 13 years, and we want to feel safe, especially working at night,” he said.
As of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting, despite reports of two men being seen in handcuffs and taken into custody. Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the shooting, and it remains unclear if gang-related issues were a factor. Investigators are hopeful that footage from nearby surveillance cameras may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in resolving the case. “I would hope somebody will step forward and provide the necessary details so we can work toward a solution,” he stated.
Ramirez echoed the call for witnesses to report any information to law enforcement anonymously. “If you saw something, please call the tip line. It could have been your family member,” she implored.
At this time, officials have not released the identity of the deceased man. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the unsettling reality of violence in their neighborhood. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the details of the shooting while ensuring the safety of residents in the area.