On the night of March 31, 2023, 21-year-old Isabella Ruiz was fatally shot at a residence in the 18000 block of Gentian Avenue in Woodcrest, near Riverside, California. Deputies arrived around 11:51 p.m. and found Ruiz with a gunshot wound; she was taken to Riverside University Medical Center and pronounced dead about 90 minutes later.

Investigators report that earlier that day 21-year-old Brady Matthew Castillo had been at the same house, found a semiautomatic handgun in a drawer and took selfies with it. Castillo later returned and, while in a bedroom with Ruiz and another friend, picked up the gun from a table, racked the slide, pointed it at Ruiz’s face believing it was unloaded, and pulled the trigger, killing her. Castillo was arrested on April 1, 2023, on suspicion of manslaughter and released after posting bond; his bail was later revoked when he failed to appear in court.

Ruiz’s family and community mourned a young woman remembered for a strong work ethic and vibrant spirit. If anyone has information about that night or knew Isabella, please come forward.