SANTA MONICA—On Friday, October 12, the Santa Monica Police Department revealed that Sherwin Espinosa, 43, was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for his role in the shooting death of Juan Sebastian Castillo.
On February 26, 2017 at about 5:08 a.m., Juan Castillo, an 18-year old male, was found deceased in the 1300 block of 16th Street with a single gunshot wound to the head. An extensive investigation conducted by the SMPD determined that Castillo’s death was related to a shooting that occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on February 26, 2017 in the 2100 block of Pico Boulevard. Sherwin Espinosa was arrested on May 19, 2017 by police.
At this time in the investigation detectives are not providing a motive to this shooting. Based on the information that we have, there is no indication there was a relationship between Castillo or Espinosa, however that can change as the investigation continues,” said Sgt. Rudy Flores of the SMPD in an email to Canyon News.
Castillo graduated from Santa Monica High School in 2016 and played for the school’s football team. He wanted to join the Marines and was enrolled at Santa Monica College, according to his father Jorge Castillo.
On August 21, 2018, after a jury trial, Espinosa was found guilty of second degree murder and the use of a firearm for the murder of Juan Sebastian Castillo. He was sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder; and 25 years to life for the weapons enhancement. The terms will be served concurrently.
