News Summary
The community of Costa Mesa is devastated by the tragic loss of 15-year-old Allison Castillo, a promising soccer player, killed in a gang-related stabbing. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District expressed sadness over her passing, and a GoFundMe has been set up to support her family. Authorities are investigating the incident, with a suspect in custody. This heartbreaking event has united the community in mourning and advocating for justice as they remember Allison’s vibrant spirit and passion for life.
Costa Mesa Mourns the Loss of Bright Young Soccer Talent
In a heartbreaking incident that has left the community of Costa Mesa reeling, a 15-year-old girl was killed in a shocking gang-related stabbing. The victim, identified as Allison Castillo, was a promising young soccer player and a proud student of Newport-Mesa Unified School District. This tragedy not only took a vibrant life but also left a void in the hearts of many who knew her.
Allison’s Bright Future Cut Short
Allison was known for her incredible talent on the soccer field. She had dreams of reaching new heights with her sport and was recently invited to play soccer in Spain. Friends and family often described her as an energetic and enthusiastic young girl, bursting with passion both on and off the field. Many took to social media, celebrating her achievements and expressing their grief over the senseless nature of her death.
On Saturday afternoon, police received a call around 12:30 p.m. about a stabbing incident occurring on the 700 block of Shalimar Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders discovered Allison collapsed in an outdoor courtyard, suffering from a life-threatening wound.
A Race Against Time
Despite the heroic efforts of the first responders who performed CPR to try and save her, Allison was rushed to a nearby hospital. Tragically, her young life came to an end just hours after the brutal attack.
Allison’s family and friends are devastated, grappling with the sudden loss of someone they loved so dearly. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District acknowledged her status as a student and expressed overwhelming sadness over her passing, offering counseling services to assist students affected by this tragic event.
Investigating the Incident
In the wake of Allison’s murder, authorities have launched a thorough investigation into what happened. Initial findings suggest that the incident may have ties to gang activity. Police are specifically looking at 31-year-old Matthew Juarez from Anaheim, who has known gang affiliations. The Costa Mesa Police Department’s Gang Unit has been deployed to assist with the investigation, working diligently to uncover the details behind this heart-wrenching incident.
Juarez was located at a residence in Anaheim and taken into custody without any issues. He has since been booked into the county’s intake release center and is awaiting charges related to the incident.
A Community Unites for Justice
As the news of Allison’s tragic death spreads, a GoFundMe account has been set up to support her family during this difficult time. The account paints a portrait of Allison as “the life of the party,” highlighting her kindness, inspiring personality, and relentless passion for life. Friends and supporters are calling for justice, emphasizing that this senseless act should not go unpunished.
The Costa Mesa Police Department is appealing to the public, asking anyone who might have information about the stabbing to come forward and assist in the investigation. Detectives encourage those with details to reach out to Det. Eloisa Peralta or Investigator Eric Molina.
A Community in Mourning
Allison Castillo’s story transcends sports; it’s about a young girl with dreams and aspirations, now tragically silenced. As Costa Mesa mourns the loss of this talented young athlete, it stands as a reminder to us all about the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in the face of violence.
This incident is a wake-up call—the community must unite to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring. Our hearts go out to Allison’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Gang violence
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Costa Mesa soccer player Allison Castillo
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Newsweek
- Google News: gang violence California
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
