Frida Castillo was a 20-year-old from Laredo, Texas, studying to become a patient care technician at the South Texas Training Center. She was killed on the afternoon of March 15, 2025, during a violent attack at her family’s home in the 3900 block of Bannock Lane.

Authorities identified her 27-year-old ex-boyfriend, Fernando Machado, as the suspect. Machado, against whom Frida had a prior restraining order, allegedly entered the residence and fatally shot her. Frida’s 22-year-old brother, Jorge Castillo, and their 44-year-old mother, Diana Lopez, were also shot and seriously wounded. Officers arriving at the scene encountered gunfire; Machado reportedly fired more than 100 rounds from a high-caliber rifle during a prolonged standoff with police. SWAT entered the home, exchanged gunfire with Machado, and struck him. First responders found Frida and the injured family members; Frida died at a hospital.

After recovery and release from the hospital, Machado was arrested and indicted on 27 felony counts, including capital murder for Frida’s death and aggravated assault for attacks on family members and officers. He has been held without bond in 406th District Court; prosecutors announced they will not seek the death penalty. Machado has formally requested to represent himself and asked the judge to remove his appointed attorney, with a ruling expected the following month.

If anyone knew Frida or was in the Bannock Lane area on March 15, 2025, does new information exist that could help the investigation?