Ongoing Homicide Investigation
Early Sunday morning, a violent encounter disrupted the quiet streets of downtown Corpus Christi, triggering a homicide investigation at around 2:18 a.m. on June 2, 2024, from the 500 block of Taylor Street, following reports of a stabbing incident.
Eyewitness Account Sheds Light on the Ordeal
An anonymous eyewitness recounted the harrowing moments that led to the fatal stabbing. “It destroys me that I did not save his life,” said the visibly shaken witness, reflecting the gravity of the incident. According to their account, the events unfolded rapidly as two individuals, including the victim, headed to their vehicles.
“I was walking to my vehicle to go home, and another gentleman was walking to his vehicle to go home. The eyewitness explained, “We both got into our vehicles, and I had already turned on my car to reverse from where I was parked.” This ordinary scene turned sinister when Ruben Castro Junior, a 26-year-old man, approached the area.
The Attack
The eyewitness detailed how Castro targeted the victim on the driver’s side of a black King Ranch truck. “This figure came up to the right side of my vehicle and looked at me with an ugly look, then headed around my vehicle to that driver’s door,” they said. The situation escalated as Castro pulled open the driver’s door and began his assault.
Reacting instinctively, the witness moved their vehicle to a safer location and called for help. Despite their efforts, the victim stumbled and later collapsed. “I heard him cry to the ground, I heard him sobbing, and I saw the blood trail go down the concrete, and I will never forget,” they recounted.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The event has shaken the local community, especially since the police confirmed that there was no prior relationship between Castro and the victim, suggesting it was a random act of violence. The eyewitness, who had stayed with the victim in his last moments, expressed a profound sense of responsibility and sadness. “I was there for his final moments of life… I did all I could to save his life. That was my goal,” they shared.
Ruben Castro Junior was subsequently arrested and is currently held in jail on a $1 million bond. The investigation remains active and ongoing as he faces charges related to the incident. Authorities are calling on anyone with further information to step forward and assist by contacting investigators at 361-886-2840 or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, at 888-TIPS.
Call to the Community
This incident has left a lasting impact on those who witnessed and responded to the aftermath. The community and the victim’s family are searching for answers and hoping for justice in the wake of this senseless tragedy. The eyewitness’s testimony provides crucial details for the investigation and highlights the unexpected bravery and humanity that often emerge in such critical moments.