Sacramento Police Seek Suspect Wanted In Late Night Homicide

The Sacramento Police Department has identified and is looking for 30-year-old James Castillo for the murder of a 23-year-old Leopoldo Velasco III.

On Friday, April 24, 2009, at approximately 9:07 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to 3900 block 17th Avenue on a shooting call with a person down. Officers arrived and found a male Hispanic who had been shot. The victim was transported to U.C. Davis Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. The victim was identified as Leopoldo Velasco III.

Homicide Detectives and the Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. It is believed at this time that Velasco came over to visit his girlfriend when he got into an argument with a neighbor. The argument escalated resulting in Castillo shooting Velasco.

The suspect is identified as James Castillo, male Hispanic, 30 years old, 5'9", and 175 lbs. Castillo may be driving a 2004 white Dodge Intrepid.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.