Tragedy struck in Houston when U.S. airman Albert Castillo Jr. was shot and killed in August 2021, just two days after surprising his family by coming home on leave from an Air Force base in Nebraska. The heartbreaking incident left a community in mourning, with a brick shrine now serving as a somber reminder of the young man’s life cut short.
During a family barbecue, Castillo Jr. was fatally shot, leaving behind grieving loved ones. His stepmother, Minerva Castillo, tearfully shared, “He meant so much to so many people. He drove 13 hours to come spend time with his mom, with his dad, with all of us.”
The pain of his loss is still fresh, with Minerva Castillo revealing the emotional toll as she explained, “You know, my husband comes in that driveway and he cries every day.”
The suspect in this tragic case, Giovanni Ornelas, 34, disappeared just before his trial was set to begin. Authorities found his cut-off GPS monitor at a bus stop, sparking a manhunt for the fugitive who had been out on bond. The family of Castillo Jr., along with law enforcement, are determined to seek justice for their beloved airman, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Ornelas’s capture.
“He meant so much to so many people,” echoed grandmother Patty Ortiz during a press conference, highlighting the widespread impact of Castillo Jr.’s life and death.
As the search for Ornelas intensifies, the family remains resolute in their quest for justice. “And he needs to pay the consequences,” Minerva Castillo asserted, emphasizing the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions.
Despite the pain and loss they have endured, the Castillo family hopes for a swift resolution in the case, with Minerva Castillo stating, “He needs to go to jail, and hopefully they’ll give him life for what he’s done.”
Authorities are actively searching for Ornelas in Houston and at the border, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing closure to the Castillo family. In the meantime, one alleged accomplice remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The community stands in solidarity with the Castillo family, united in their call for justice and closure. The memory of Albert Castillo Jr. lives on, cherished by those who knew and loved him.