A Kern County man faces more than a century behind bars after being convicted of murdering a man at point-blank range in May 2022.
According to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, a jury found Michael Castillo guilty on October 17, 2025, of first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest. The jury also found firearm enhancements to be true.
On October 27, 2025, the court ruled that Castillo had two prior strikes and confirmed three aggravating factors — that he posed a danger to society, had numerous prior convictions, and had previously served time in prison.
Investigators said that late on the night of May 15, 2022, Castillo and Francisco Rodriguez left an illegal internet casino on North Chester Avenue in Bakersfield. Surveillance video captured the two walking toward Tacos La Villa, where Castillo pulled a .40 caliber handgun and shot Rodriguez at point-blank range before fleeing the scene.
While evading authorities, Castillo allegedly tried to recruit neighbors and friends to conduct countersurveillance on undercover officers, but those efforts failed. Deputies eventually located him.
On May 25, 2022, law enforcement found Castillo in the 2300 block of North Inyo Street. When deputies called for him to surrender, he fled, leading officers on a chase before being apprehended with the help of a K-9 unit. A search of his home uncovered an AR-15 rifle in his possession.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer stated,
“Despite Castillo’s efforts, he could not evade law enforcement or justice. The gravity of his crime ensures consequences he cannot avoid.”
Castillo now faces a potential 106-year prison sentence.
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