In the early hours of February 11, 2024, downtown Ventura was rattled by a tragic incident resulting in the death of 20-year-old Santa Paula resident Anthony Castanon. Authorities responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the vicinity of Oak St. and Main St., prompting an immediate and extensive police presence.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Castanon with severe injuries. Despite prompt medical attention and ambulance transport to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), Castanon succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased, police said. Simultaneously, officers were alerted to additional gunshot victims who had been dropped off at the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Room.
Among the victims were 24-year-old Oxnard resident Jordan Lee and a 17-year-old male juvenile, both suffering life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said. Swift actions by medical personnel stabilized their conditions, and they were subsequently transported to VCMC, where they remain in critical but stable condition.