Frida Castillo

Frida Castillo was a 20-year-old Hispanic woman from Laredo, Texas, with a dream of helping others. She was studying to become a patient care technician at the South Texas Training Center, where she was remembered as a bright and caring person. Her friends and classmates were deeply saddened by her death, creating a memorial at the school to celebrate her life.

Her life was cut short 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 previously obtained a restraining order, fatally shot her inside the residence. He also shot and seriously wounded her 22-year-old brother, Jorge Castillo, and their 44-year-old mother, Diana Lopez.

When Laredo police officers arrived at the scene, they were met with gunfire coming from the house. The situation escalated into a prolonged standoff, during which Machado allegedly fired over 100 rounds from a high-caliber rifle at officers and vehicles. SWAT officers eventually entered the home, exchanged gunfire with Machado, and struck him. Inside, first responders found Frida and her injured family members. Frida was transported to a hospital, where she died. Her brother and mother, along with Machado, were hospitalized in critical condition.

Following his recovery and release from the hospital, Fernando Machado was arrested. He was indicted on a total of 27 felony charges, including capital murder for the death of Frida Castillo and aggravated assault for the attacks on her family members and police officers. He has been held without bond since his arrest.

The case is being handled in the 406th District Court. Prosecutors have announced that they will not seek the death penalty. As of August 2026, the case was heading toward a trial. Machado had formally requested to represent himself in court and asked the judge to remove his appointed attorney. A ruling on that request was expected the following month.