Ernesto Castro-Sanchez, 20, was shot and killed at Encinal Park on the 400 block of Macara Avenue in Sunnyvale, California, on August 2, 2014, at about 2:30 a.m. He was struck in the neck and died at the scene; a woman who had been with him was wounded and taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and survived. The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety investigated, and early information suggested the shooting might have been gang-related. The killing was noted as Sunnyvale’s first homicide of the year in a city otherwise known for low crime.

The community held candlelight vigils, including events organized by Mothers Against Murder, to remember Ernesto and press for justice. In May 2017 authorities made an arrest in connection with the shooting, charging Alfonso Gonzales, 25, after investigators alleged Gonzales opened fire on a group Ernesto was socializing with at the park. The investigation and legal process were ongoing as the community continued to seek accountability.