Tragic Stabbing of 15-Year-Old Soccer Player in Costa Mesa

News Summary

Allison Castillo, a promising young soccer player from Costa Mesa, was fatally stabbed in a random attack. The assault, carried out by a man with a criminal history, has left her family and community mourning. Castillo, who had recently received a scholarship to a soccer camp, was known for her bright personality. As her family organizes fundraising efforts to cover funeral costs, the community rallies to support them during this heartbreaking time.

Costa Mesa, CA

Allison Castillo, a 15-year-old soccer player from Costa Mesa, was fatally stabbed in a seemingly random attack on August 9 while visiting a friend in her former neighborhood on Shalimar Drive. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. when she was attacked by 31-year-old Matthew Juarez, who has a criminal history and known gang affiliations. Authorities classify the attack as gang-related, although Castillo had no connections to gangs and did not know her assailant.

Despite immediate medical attention that temporarily revived her, Castillo succumbed to her injuries hours later at the Orange County Global Medical Center. Juarez was arrested later that day in Anaheim.

Castillo was not only a dedicated student at Newport Harbor High School but also an aspiring professional soccer player, having played the sport since she was 3 years old. Recently, she received a full-ride scholarship to attend a soccer camp in Spain through the LaLiga Academy. She had been enrolled in a county education program to recover school credits missed due to her commitments in soccer competitions.

Family and Community Mourning

The unexpected loss has left Castillo’s family devastated. Her mother, Yohana Legaspi, was en route home from a doctor’s appointment when she received the call about her daughter’s tragic event. Legaspi is currently recovering from a stem cell transplant for cancer and is out of work, complicating the family’s financial situation regarding funeral and burial expenses.

In the wake of this tragedy, the family is organizing fundraising events to cover funeral costs, including food sales and a community carwash event. To further assist, they have set up a GoFundMe campaign titled ‘Loving Tribute to Allison’s Beautiful Soul.’ This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on the family during this difficult time.

Community’s Response

Allison’s memory, remembering her vibrant personality, competitive spirit, and sense of humor. She was cherished for her dreams and aspirations in soccer, prompting many to reflect on the impact she had on those around her. Anahi Castillo, Allison’s sister, expressed the family’s search for answers concerning the brutal attack while mourning the profound loss of their beloved daughter and sister.

The Incident’s Context

Matthew Juarez’s background includes three felony convictions, underscoring a long history of criminal behavior, which raises concerns about community safety surrounding the incident. As police continue their investigation, many in the Costa Mesa area are left grappling with the implications of such violence occurring in their neighborhood.

As the investigation continues, the community’s focus is on supporting the Castillo family during this harrowing time. The emphasis remains on remembering Allison not just for her tragic end but for the lively spirit and passion she brought into the world of soccer and her loved ones’ lives.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Family of Slain Costa Mesa Teen Grieves Loss
• Patch: Gang Member Charged with Murder
• Orange County Register: 15-Year-Old Girl Stabbed to Death
• CBS News: Orange County Mother Grieves Daughter Stabbed to Death
• New Santa Ana: GoFundMe Launched for Slain Teen
• Wikipedia: Gang Violence
• Google Search: Allison Castillo Costa Mesa
• Google Scholar: Gang Violence in California
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang
• Google News: Costa Mesa Stabbing

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.