Marcelino Calixto Pastrana, 27, was shot in the parking lot behind the Castroville Market on Merritt Street on the night of June 26, 2025. Deputies were first alerted about 8:56 p.m.; Pastrana and a 17-year-old Salinas resident reached a hospital on their own. Pastrana died later that night and the teen remained in critical condition. Investigators identified the market lot as the likely crime scene and say the shooting occurred during an attempted robbery.

Detectives describe four men sitting in a car when two suspects approached and opened fire, striking two occupants. In mid-July, investigators arrested a 17-year-old in Castroville on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, attempted robbery, conspiracy and gang enhancements; a firearm was recovered during searches in Castroville and Watsonville and the youth was booked into Juvenile Hall. Detectives also named a second juvenile suspect, 17-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez, wanted on a murder warrant and considered armed and dangerous; a firearm remained outstanding and the search for him was ongoing.

Anyone who was in or near the market parking lot on Merritt Street that evening or who has information about the shooting or the location of the outstanding firearm is asked to come forward.