CASTROVILLE, Calif. — Community Devastated After Fatal Shooting Claims Life of 27-Year-Old Marcelino Calixto Pastrana
The quiet agricultural community of Castroville, California, is reeling from a devastating act of violence that claimed the life of a young local man and left another fighting for survival. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victim killed in the June 27 shooting as 27-year-old Marcelino Calixto Pastrana, a beloved resident of Castroville whose life was tragically cut short in the prime of his youth.
The shooting occurred Friday evening and sent shockwaves throughout the community. Deputies responded swiftly to the scene, where they found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Pastrana was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead that same night, despite emergency efforts to save him.
A second victim, a 17-year-old male from Salinas, remains hospitalized in critical condition as of the most recent update. Authorities are withholding the minor’s name due to his age, but Sheriff’s officials confirmed that he continues to receive intensive medical care and that his prognosis remains uncertain.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Friends and family describe Marcelino Pastrana as a kindhearted, hardworking young man with deep roots in the Castroville area. Known for his warm smile and steady presence, Marcelino was someone who brought calm and compassion into every room he entered. A dedicated family member and a loyal friend, he worked in local agriculture and was committed to building a better life for himself and those he loved.
“He was the kind of person who always looked out for others,” shared a family friend. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
His sudden death has left his loved ones grappling with shock, sorrow, and a growing call for justice. Social media has been flooded with messages of remembrance and outrage as the community comes together to honor Marcelino’s life and demand answers.
A Community in Mourning
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto offered condolences to Pastrana’s grieving family and voiced the department’s commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Pastrana’s family during this painful time,” Nieto stated. “And we remain focused on seeking justice on their behalf. We also keep the juvenile victim and his family in our prayers as he fights for his life.”
The sheriff’s department is currently investigating the case as a homicide, and detectives are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not released information about possible suspects or a motive, but stress that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Call for Information
Detectives are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward. Even seemingly minor details could play a crucial role in helping authorities understand what happened and who was involved.
Members of the public are asked to contact:
- Detective Richard Geng at (831) 759-7229
- Sergeant Daniel Hopkins at (831) 225-4883
Tips can be submitted anonymously, and the Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to protecting the identities of those who come forward.
Remembering Marcelino
In the days following the tragedy, friends and community members have begun organizing vigils and memorial events to remember Marcelino Calixto Pastrana’s life. A GoFundMe campaign is reportedly in the works to help support his family with funeral expenses and to provide some comfort during this unimaginable time.
Marcelino’s death is not just a personal tragedy for his loved ones—it is a heartbreaking loss for the entire Castroville community. His memory lives on in the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the many lives he touched.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief, seeking both closure and accountability. Marcelino Pastrana will be remembered not by how he died, but by how he lived—with strength, warmth, and an unwavering love for those around him.
Rest in peace, Marcelino. Your light will never be forgotten.
