A capital murder prosecution stemming from a 2025 mass shooting in a south Laredo neighborhood is headed toward trial after the accused rejected a plea deal Monday, Aug. 17.
Accused turns down plea, seeks to represent himself
Prosecutors have charged Fernando Machado in the death of Frida Castillo, who was killed when more than 100 rounds were fired in the Cheyenne Subdivision in 2025. Two other people were seriously wounded in the same incident.
At a hearing Monday, Machado declined the plea agreement offered by the prosecution and informed the court he intends to represent himself at trial. A judge granted Machado’s attorney one more opportunity to meet with him before deciding whether Machado may proceed without counsel.
“I was just really worried for the people around me, my family. People here, like, they have kids. What if something were to happen to them?”
The remark came from a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath and remains concerned about safety in the subdivision. Other neighbors described seeing Machado on the day of the shooting and recalled interactions between the accused and the victim’s family.
Neighbors recount moments from the shooting
Residents who spoke about the shooting — some on camera, others off — said the attack happened within steps of several homes. One neighbor said Machado appeared to be walking directly toward the family’s residence on the day of the shooting.
Other community members offered a different perspective of the Castillos. One neighbor described the family as quiet and hardworking, saying the daughter “used to work and everything,” and mentioned there had been reports of threats prior to the shooting.
- Accused: Fernando Machado
- Victim killed: Frida Castillo
- Location: Cheyenne Subdivision, south Laredo
- Incident: more than 100 rounds fired in 2025; two others seriously injured
Next steps in court
The case, which was charged more than a year ago, now moves closer to a jury trial after Machado’s refusal of the plea. The judge scheduled another hearing for Sept. 18, at which time the court will determine whether Machado can represent himself and finalize pretrial matters.
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Shooting | 2025 — more than 100 rounds fired in Cheyenne Subdivision |
| Charging | Prosecutors charged Machado with capital murder more than one year ago |
| Plea decision | Machado turned down plea offer on Aug. 17, 2026 |
| Next hearing | Sept. 18, 2026 — judge will consider self-representation |
The decision to reject a plea carries legal and community implications. For prosecutors, it means preparing for a capital murder trial, which may involve additional discovery, witness preparation and potential motions over evidence and admissibility. For the families of victims and neighbors, a trial could bring renewed attention to the neighborhood and the painful events of 2025.
Neighbors in the Cheyenne Subdivision say they continue to feel the impact. Some emphasized concern for children and families living near where the shots were fired; others stressed that the Castillo family had been good neighbors and that the shooting was an out-of-character disruption for the block.
Because Machado has expressed his intention to act as his own attorney, the court will need to ensure any waiver of counsel is knowing and voluntary, a standard in Texas courts. The limited information available indicates the judge is allowing one final chance for Machado’s attorney to consult with him before ruling on that request.
As the case progresses toward trial, the community and the family of the slain woman will be watching court filings and scheduled hearings closely. The Sept. 18 hearing will be the next formal step in determining how the prosecution proceeds in what remains a high-profile and tragic case for south Laredo.
