A milestone celebration turned into a scene of tragedy in Los Angeles this past weekend, as a young father was fatally shot while attempting to intervene in a dispute at a local eatery. The incident, which occurred during a birthday gathering, has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers.
Andres Castellas, 26, was celebrating his birthday with friends and family at Red West Pizza in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon. What began as a joyful occasion quickly escalated into violence when a fight broke out between two women at the establishment. According to police and family members, Castellas was shot and killed after he stepped in to try and de-escalate the confrontation.
The shooting left Castellas dead at the scene and injured another individual. A restaurant employee, a man in his 20s, was also struck by gunfire during the incident. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries that authorities have described as non-life-threatening, according to reports from KABC Television.
A Life Cut Short
Those who knew Andres Castellas describe him as a peaceful man who avoided conflict and dedicated his life to his family. Castellas had moved to the United States from Colombia approximately three years ago, driven by the goal of providing a better future for his five-year-old daughter.
His girlfriend, Maria Rondan, spoke of the devastating void left by his sudden death. “They robbed us of someone,” Rondan stated. “They took somebody’s father, son and I just don’t understand why.” She further described Castellas as a “very happy guy” with a natural ability to uplift others, noting, “He was the type of a guy that he’ll walk in the room and make you feel special even when you didn’t think that about yourself.”
Michelle Costa, Rondan’s daughter, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Castellas was a man who fundamentally disliked violence. “We want him to know that we’re here for him,” Costa said. “We’re always going to be here for him. We’re always going to celebrate him.”
Investigation and Suspect Status
The violence erupted suddenly on Saturday afternoon, leaving witnesses shocked. Police reports indicate that the gunman fled the scene on foot immediately following the shooting. As of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, law enforcement officials state that the shooting suspect remains at large.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the shooter and determine the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal encounter. The community is encouraged to provide any information that may lead to an arrest.
Community Support and Next Steps
In the wake of the tragedy, Castellas’ family and friends have sought support to manage the sudden financial burden of funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the bereaved family in honoring his memory and supporting his young daughter.
The loss of a young parent under such senseless circumstances highlights the precarious nature of public safety and the tragic cost of impulsive violence. For those seeking to support the family or provide tips to the police, official channels in the Wilmington area remain the primary point of contact.
The next expected development in this case will be any official update from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding the identification or apprehension of the suspect. We will continue to monitor the investigation for further details.
World Today Journal encourages readers to share this story to help raise awareness for the family’s fundraising efforts and to assist law enforcement in locating the suspect. Please leave your condolences and thoughts in the comments below.