STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK — Investigation Underway After Fatal Shooting Claims the Life of 40-Year-Old Joseph Castillo’s
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK — A quiet night turned deadly when gunfire erupted near Midland and West Brighton Avenues late Monday, October 14, leaving 40-year-old Joseph Castillo fatally wounded. Police say the call came in shortly after 11 p.m., prompting an urgent response from multiple patrol units and emergency crews.
When officers arrived, they found Castillo lying on the pavement, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported hearing several sharp bursts of gunfire moments before he was discovered. Despite being critically injured, Castillo was still breathing when first responders reached him. Paramedics from the New York City Fire Department administered emergency care on the scene before rushing him to Upstate University Hospital.
Doctors and medical staff worked to save his life, but the extent of his injuries proved too severe. Joseph Castillo was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities have since classified the case as a homicide, marking yet another tragic chapter in a series of gun-related deaths that have unsettled Staten Island communities in recent months.
Police quickly sealed off the area where Castillo was found, setting up bright floodlights as investigators collected shell casings, photographed evidence, and canvassed nearby homes. Detectives spent hours speaking with residents, searching for witnesses, and gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences that may help them identify the shooter.
According to neighbors, the sound of gunfire shattered what had been an otherwise calm evening. “We heard loud pops, maybe four or five, and then silence,” said one resident who asked not to be identified. “When we came outside, the street was full of police. It’s terrifying knowing something like that could happen so close to home.”
Detectives with the New York Police Department’s 120th Precinct are leading the investigation. No arrests have been made, and officials have yet to disclose a motive. Law enforcement sources say they are reviewing potential connections to recent neighborhood disputes but emphasize that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Residents described Joseph Castillo as a quiet, hardworking man who largely kept to himself. Those who knew him said he had lived in the area for years and was known for his calm demeanor and polite interactions. “He didn’t bother anyone,” said a local store owner. “He was always respectful and just went about his day. Nobody deserves this.”
Community leaders are now urging residents to come forward with any information that could help police solve the case. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for tips leading to an arrest, and anonymous submissions can be made through official NYPD channels.
As investigators continue piecing together the events that led to Castillo’s death, the neighborhood remains haunted by the violence that took one of its own. Candles and flowers now line the corner where he was found, a solemn reminder of a life cut short and the urgent call for peace in a city still searching for answers.
