On New Year’s Eve 2022 in Richland, Washington, 21-year-old Michael Castoreno was fatally shot at the Columbia Park Apartments on Jadwin Avenue after a confrontation with a group of teenagers who reportedly questioned him about gang affiliation. Witnesses said gunfire erupted soon after he answered, and Michael was struck by multiple bullets; medics attempted life-saving measures but he died. Several people were seen fleeing the area immediately after the shooting. Family members described him as kind-hearted and free-spirited and said he was not involved in gangs; they believe he may have been targeted for wearing a blue Washington State University hat.

Richland police identified two primary suspects: 19-year-old Felipe Manjares and 17-year-old Rafael Torres Topete. Investigators used a police dog track, shell casings linking the scene to other recent shootings, security camera footage, and an Instagram photo to tie the suspects to the incident. Authorities say Manjares fired first and Torres Topete fired two more shots. Torres Topete was arrested, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, and was sentenced to nine to twelve years. Manjares fled to Oklahoma with help from his mother, Rosalina Guzman; U.S. Marshals later located and extradited him to Washington on a premeditated first-degree murder charge.

Did anyone in the area see the group that confronted Michael that night or recognize the clothing shown in the security footage?