Garberville Man Sentenced for DUI Causing Injury, Hit and Run and Vehicular Manslaughter

Office of the District Attorney - Stacey Eads, District Attorney

News Release

April 29^th, 2024

Today, the Honorable Judge Steven Steward sentenced 54-year-old Earl Ray Castillo to serve 7 years in prison for felony driving while under the influence and causing injury, and hit and run, as well as misdemeanor evading law enforcement and vehicular manslaughter.

Castillo was convicted of his crimes by a Humboldt County jury on March 25 of this year after they heard evidence detailing the tragic events of September 20, 2023. On that afternoon in September, 67-year-old Steven Ray of Sacramento, and his wife of 37 years were hiking through the Richardson Grove State Park when Ray, walking a short distance ahead of his wife, emerged onto the shoulder of Highway 101. Suddenly, as his wife looked upon him, Ray was struck and killed by Castillo's speeding Toyota Tundra. Castillo, who suffered a DUI conviction a few months earlier, immediately fled the scene, where Ray, in the arms of his wife, succumbed to his injuries. With the heroic assistance of citizens, and multiple Cal Trans employees, CHP officers located Castillo that same day as he drove his visibly damaged Tundra on Highway 101. When officers attempted to pull him over Castillo fled, reaching speeds as high as 90 mph. Ultimately, he was arrested and brought to trial for his crimes.

Deputy District Attorney Emily Norgaard prosecuted the case with assistance from DA Investigator Martin Morris and DA Victim Advocate Ben Duhem. Mr. Castillo was represented by local attorney RJ Leohner. Judge Steward, who imposed the maximum allowed under the law for the crimes, presided over the trial.

District Attorney Stacey Eads stated: "I am deeply sorry for Mr. Ray's wife, son, and other loved ones who suffered, and will continue to suffer, such tragic loss caused by Mr. Castillo's senseless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. I commend the California Highway Patrol for the extensive investigation conducted, participation by community members, including passersby and Cal Trans employees, and the jury for time and service - all critical to reaching a sense of justice."