On the evening of July 14, 2024, deputies in Humboldt County responded to reports of a possible shooting in the 27000 block of Highway 36 near Bridgeville, California. They found the body of 34-year-old Rafael Orlando Castillo-Cortes, a Sacramento resident. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

The investigation led to the arrest of 20-year-old Melvin Jeovany Portillo-Rodriguez, also from Sacramento, on charges of homicide. Authorities said Castillo-Cortes and Portillo-Rodriguez were acquainted, that no other suspects were outstanding, and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The case remains under investigation.

If anyone has information about the events near Highway 36 on July 14, please contact law enforcement.