Seven months have passed since a man was brutally attacked in front of a convenience store in Vista and deputies are reigniting their search for both witnesses and suspects in the unsolved homicide case.
Francisco Castro, 33, was found unconscious on the sidewalk in front of a 7-Eleven store located at 900 N. Santa Fe Ave. on May 6, 2015. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO), Castro had hit the back of his head on the cement and suffered major trauma. Those injuries left him in a coma and on life support for more than six months after the attack.
On Nov. 9, Castro died after being taken off life support.
Today, the events that led to his critical injuries remain unknown, and investigators are continuing their search for leads on the case.
Detectives believe Castro was involved in an altercation with an unknown suspect or suspects before he fell on the sidewalk, at around 4:35 p.m. on May 6. At least three other men were seen with the victim prior to the fight and may have witnessed it. Deputies released photos of two possible witnesses Thursday in connection with the case.
Detectives say a group of juveniles walking in the area at the time of the incident may have also seen something. Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have seen what happened to Castro that day.
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Those with information should contact the SDSO’s Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Last month, just days after Castro’s death, NBC 7 spoke with his family about the brutal, blindside attack that left Castro bruised on nearly every inch of his body and with serious head injuries from which he never woke up.
His family said the blow that ended Castro’s life was a beer bottle to the back of his head as he tried to walk away from the unknown attackers.
His sister, Florecita Castro, pleaded for any information into her brother’s unsolved case and said the family misses Castro deeply.
"Whoever did this, my brother is gone," Florecita told NBC 7 in November. "Please just come forward, anyone. Any leads. If you want to be anonymous, it's okay. We just want the person who did this to be caught."
Castro worked at a North County restaurant for 15 years. He is survived by a 2-year-old son, and a large, extended family.
The victim’s family spoke with reporters about the investigation Thursday in an effort to generate fresh information on the cold case. While still very distraught and emotional over their loved one's death, the family members are hopeful this new search for information will lead to answers, and ultimately, closure.
"Please come forward and talk to law enforcement," pleaded Castro's brother, Eliezer Castro at a media briefing. "I know it's not your family, but it's my family. I really cared for my brother. I want someone to say something about it -- about my brother."
"I miss him," Eliezer lamented.
Detectives say they heavily patrol the area where the crime happened in Vista.
Editor's Note: Wendy Fry previously worked with Francisco Castro at a restaurant, as well as his brothers and father.
