NAPA COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of a young man fatally shot along a rural stretch of road in Napa County. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim, identified as 20-year-old Salvador De Jesus Castillo-Hernandez of Concord, was found Sunday morning with multiple gunshot wounds along Monticello Road (Highway 121).
The tragic discovery was first reported around 9:40 a.m. when a passerby noticed a man lying unresponsive near the 2600 block of Monticello Road and alerted the California Highway Patrol. Deputies and emergency personnel arrived quickly but determined that Castillo-Hernandez had already succumbed to his injuries. Bloodstains on his clothing and the location of his body on the roadside prompted law enforcement to immediately treat the case as a homicide.
On Monday, the Office of the Sheriff-Coroner formally identified the victim, confirming he was a Concord resident. Detectives reported that Castillo-Hernandez had sustained several gunshot wounds. Investigators are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether it was targeted, random, or possibly linked to other incidents in the region. At this stage, authorities have not released information regarding any suspects or motives.
In order to preserve the crime scene, a significant portion of Highway 121 was closed for nearly six hours on Sunday, from the 2200 block to Wooden Valley Road. During this time, forensic teams scoured the area for evidence, photographed the scene, and collected potential leads. Deputies also conducted interviews with nearby residents and drivers who may have witnessed unusual activity prior to the discovery. The closure caused traffic disruptions but was necessary to ensure a thorough investigation.
The sheriff’s office has called on the public for assistance in solving the case. Detective Phil Tieu has been designated as the lead contact for information, and residents are urged to share tips by phone at 707-253-6030 or via email at philip.tieu@countyofnapa.org
. Officials emphasized that even minor observations—such as unusual vehicles, sounds, or movements in the area—could prove vital in identifying suspects and securing justice for the victim.
The death of Castillo-Hernandez has deeply unsettled the Napa County community, where violent crimes of this nature are relatively rare. Residents expressed concern about safety in rural areas and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant. As investigators pursue leads, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life cut short by gun violence.