Help Needed To Find Murderer Of Would-Be Professional Soccer Player
COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — Detectives asked for the public's help Wednesday for information in the murder of a soccer player headed for a professional career.
Vicente Castillo, 19, was shot to death while driving his car near the intersection of White Avenue and Rose Street in Compton at about 1:20 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2014.
Authorities say at the time of the shooting, Castillo and a friend were on their way home from a workout when he honked and waved at a car being driven by someone he thought he knew from the gym.
When the driver didn't respond to Castillo's wave, Castillo followed the car for about a quarter of a mile into Compton. Police say when Castillo realized his mistake and tried to apologize, the driver shot and killed him. The passenger was not hurt.
At the time of his murder, Castillo was a full-time student at Cal State Long Beach and was set to begin playing with the Barcelona, Spain developmental soccer team, which is associated with the L.A. Galaxy.
"No bad habits. You know, he was a soccer player. He had good achievements to complete," said Wilmer Medina, Castillo's brother.
Police say the only description they have of the suspect is of an adult male Hispanic driving a dark sedan.
The city of Compton and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are collectively offering a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Castillo's murderer.
Anyone with information about this shooting can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
