Johnny Lee Romeriz Castro, 22, was found unresponsive near the intersection of Flower and Owens Streets in east Bakersfield on March 2, 2024, at about 7:39 a.m. Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Kern County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, listing the cause as a gunshot wound to the arm. As of December 26, 2024, no suspects or arrests have been publicly identified and investigators had not released further details about leads or persons of interest. The case remains open and is listed among local victims of gun violence.

Anyone with information about Castro’s death is asked to contact law enforcement to assist the ongoing investigation.