Victim killed in Castroville shooting identified, other remains in critical condition
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) - A victim killed in a shooting in Castroville on June 27 has been identified as 27-year-old Marcelino Calixto Pastrana of Castroville.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Department, Pastrana was pronounced dead at the hospital the same night of the shooting.
The second victim, identified as a 17-year-old male from Salinas, remains in the hospital in critical condition.
"Our thoughts are with Mr. Pastana's family during this painful time and we remain focused on seeking justice on their behalf," said Sheriff Tina Nieto. "We also keep the juvenile victim and his family in our prayers as he fights for his life."
MCSO is also asking those who may have information to contact Detective Richard Geng at 831-759-7229 or Sergeant Daniel Hopkins at 831-225-4883.
The shooting remains under investigation as a homicide.
One killed, one injured in Castroville shooting
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Update 8:50 a.m. June 27: The Monterey County Sheriff's office confirms one of the two victims died of their injuries at the hospital.
The deceased is not being identified until their next of kin can be notified. The homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Gunfire echoed in front of Mohammed Mozip's business in Castroville. For him and others in the area, it sounded like the Fourth of July came early, until they heard sirens and saw blood on the ground.
"I heard the shot like maybe four or five times. And I didn't expect somebody to get shot or anything. Because I didn't hear noise or trouble, or we just heard the shot. The people have firecrackers, and they start shooting. I was saying like that. And like five minutes later, the police came and they told us something had happened right there. We went over there and we saw the blood," said Mohammed Mozip, owner of Castroville Mini Mart.
"We were watching TV then, and the dog in the house started barking. And then Stephanie, my daughter, then got up to open the door, and she goes, Don't worry about it at the fireworks. And then that's what she told me this morning, that it wasn't fireworks, but rather that she found out that there was a shooting right in the corner here," said Margaret Mendoza, who lives in Castroville.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, one person is now dead and another injured in the shooting that happened Thursday night around 9 pm on the 10000 block of Merritt Street.
"We were saying, can you imagine? I mean the shooting is right next door," said Mendoza.
The person passed away at a hospital, according to the Sheriff's Office. Neighbors in the area say Castroville is a tight-knit farming community, where they often look out for one another.
As the investigation continues and the Fourth of July holiday nears, MCSO urges people to stay alert.
"Everybody to be careful on the 4th of July and just be observant of everything that's around you," said Mendoza.
"I hope so, and this is the first time, the last time, and everybody be safe," said Mozip.
The Sheriff's Office is releasing limited information at this time. No word on any possible suspects, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
Shooting in Castroville Thursday night; Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced that there was a shooting Thursday night near the Castroville Post Office around 9 p.m.
They say that the two victims self-transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Deputies responded to the possible crime scene in the parking lot behind the Castroville Market at 10696 Merritt Street.
They say that the incident remains under active investigation, and there are no additional details available at this time.
Monterey County Sheriff's Office is asking the community to report any information they may have regarding the shooting by contacting Sergeant Daniel Hopkins at 831.225.4883 or submitting details to MontereySheriff.org's "Submit a crime tip" tab.
