Ruben Castaneda, a 52-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed on April 22, 2014, near the Avenue 60 onramp of the northbound 110 Freeway in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Los Angeles County coroner’s records say he was stepping out of a makeshift tent at about 5 p.m. when he was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:32 p.m. The LAPD’s Hollenbeck Homicide detectives opened an investigation and asked the public and Crime Stoppers for tips; no immediate arrests were made and the case remained open.

Castaneda had been living in a makeshift tent near the freeway. Family and friends described him as kind-hearted and mourned his loss; the community reaction highlighted concerns about violence affecting people experiencing homelessness. A probate case related to his estate was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on April 16, 2024, but it did not disclose suspects or investigative progress.

If anyone knew Ruben, saw activity near Avenue 60 and the 110 northbound onramp on April 22, 2014, or has information that could help identify those responsible, please contact Hollenbeck Homicide or Crime Stoppers.