July 10, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Man Found Guilty of Juan Castillo Murder

Sherwin Mendoza Espinosa faces 40 to life.

By Sam Catanzaro

A Los Angeles man has been found guilty in the 2017 murder of an 18-year old Santa Monica High School graduate and now faces a potential life sentence.

On Tuesday, August 21 Deputy District Attorney Keri Modder announced that a 43-year-old Los Angeles man named Sherwin Mendoza Espinosa was found guilty by a jury in the murder of Juan Castillo on February 26, 2017. The jury found Espinosa guilty of one count of second-degree murder (an unpremeditated killing) and also found true the allegation that Espinosa used a handgun in the murder.

Sentencing is set to begin on October 12, in Department W82 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch. Espinosa is facing 40 years to life in state prison. According to the District Attorney’s Office, this hearing will take no more than one day.

Castillo, who played football at Santa Monica High School and graduated in 2016,  was found shortly after 5 a.m. on February 26, 2017, on the 1300 block of 16th Street in Santa Monica with a single gunshot wound to the head. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) have linked the murder to another murder that occurred earlier that night at 12:45 a.m. that took place on the 2100 block of Pico Boulevard.

“Through an extensive and thorough investigation conducted by the Santa Monica Police Department, it was determined that Juan Castillo’s death was related to an earlier shooting that occurred,” reads an SMPD press release from August 22.

The SMPD arrested Mendoza on May 19, 2017, after several months of investigating.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and some local news outlets initially reported that Espinosa was from Santa Monica. However, Ricardo Santiago, a Public Information Officer for the D.A.’s Office told the Santa Monica Mirror that Espinosa is in fact from Los Angeles and that the online press-release inaccurate.

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...