Parole Denied for Visalia Gang Member
On January 20, 2022, TCDA prosecutors secured a 7-year denial of parole for Salvador Castro, age 51. Castro is currently serving a life sentence at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga.
Around 5:30 pm on January 31, 1995, Castro was involved in a rival gang shootout at the intersection of Ben Maddox and Houston in Visalia. During the incident, Kelly Scott, an innocent bystander and young father, was killed in the crossfire while waiting at a stoplight in his car. Scott’s two-year-old daughter was with him in the car when the shooting occurred. During the shooting, Castro suffered injuries and was arrested when he sought treatment. Gunshot residue was found on his right hand.
In 1997, for his role in the crime, Castro was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm with the special allegations that he suffered two prior strike convictions for robbery with personal use of a deadly or dangerous weapon and served a prior prison term. The crime constituted Castro’s third “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. He was sentenced to 26 years-to-life in prison.
At the time, the case was seen as a shocking instance of gang crime in Visalia and began several discussions on the issue of gangs in the community. Richard Alonzo, one of the rival gang members, is currently serving life in prison for his role in the shooting. Alonzo was denied parole in 2021.
While in custody, Castro has committed several rules infractions and has continued to engage in extensive criminal gang behavior. In 2021, Castro was sentenced in federal court to over 17 years in custody for conspiracy to distribute drugs. If paroled, Castro would begin to serve that sentence in federal custody.
The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings and prosecutors argued against the inmate’s release in this case. Castro invoked his right not to attend the virtual parole hearing.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494