March 22, 2010

Teen Charged in Murder of 4 Year Old, Will Be Tried as an Adult

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By KSEE News

Story Published: Nov 4, 2009 at 3:31 AM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 3:49 AM EDT

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14 year old Raul Renato Castro has been charged with the first degree murder of 4 year old Alex Mercado of Mendota. Friends of Castro are speaking out as the memorial in front of little Alex's home continues to grow. Castro will be arraigned Tuesday morning in Fresno County Superior Court facing, in addition to the murder charge, special circumstances which allege murder during a child molestation, sodomy, kidnapping, and murder of a witness to prevent testimony.

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View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Nov 9 at 6:33 PM nyshorty1 wrote ...

I don't believe in taking a life in your own hands. however, I can say that the person/s who did such harm should feel the exact or even worse pain than the victim. youth and adults should think of the consequences before they commit a crime. how many jailers are regretting what they have done and pity to say they are convicted to life in prison. remember, what comes around goes around. every little thing one does comes back in double doses.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:32 PM Jared wrote ...

He was 14. That's when you should already have COMMON SENSE. It was all his fault. He should die a painful death.

Friday, Nov 6 at 3:09 PM mendotacobras wrote ...

Horrible situation in our community. The town is changing for positive. This shook us but we must pull together. Let the justice system do its job, and move ahead. I pray for Mercado Family as well as Castro Family. What more can one do? God Bless.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 12:48 PM ei wrote ...

I am a victim of child molestation.We didnt have money for counseling and therapy.I KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG!You shouldnt let what happened in your past dictate the rest of your life.I dont see how you could bring yourself to molest a child when you yourself know what that can do to a person.I live with it everyday.Do I have a desire to go molest some innocent child because it happened to me? NO! The 14 year old should be tried as an adult. I have no sympathy for him.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 9:22 AM sad wrote ...

I just love how people come to these boards and condemn people for believing in something wonderful(God). WHy do they have to be so evil? PROVE there is no God then.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 9:34 PM monica wrote ...

Sad....but true my 11yr old daughter saw the story on the news this morning and asked why are sooo many kids dying right now and all I could say was these things happen all the time, we just don't hear about all the kids.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 9:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...

people in mendota were aware what was going on in the mother's house year after year, the oldest son moved out so he could get away from the flood of men in and out, how many times was the 14 year old molested, when was the first time he was molested was he was 4. Why didn't someone in town investigate everyone is in denial, only blame the mother and boy no many are to blame

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:45 PM mothers fault wrote ...

put him in whith the adults he will get what he wants. his mother should of took him out when he was born so shame on her

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:42 PM Judge and jury wrote ...

the 14year old sicko should be killed and it should be just as bad as what he did an eye for an eye and i hope he dies a horrible death in prison

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:27 PM anonymous wrote ...

BEAUTIFUL ANGEL YOU MAY REST IN PEACE AS FOR THE RAPIST YOU MAY GO TO HELL

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:00 PM mendota resident wrote ...

Do not blame the town or the fact there are no fathers in the town. Blame the mother who did not help her 14 yr old child. That town came together to help that poor mother. Think about what they did as a community. To blame is that 14 yr old boy. He is old enough to know what is right or wrong.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 7:44 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The 14 year boy's mother is mentally challenge (crazy), the boy was molested himself, blame the Community of Mendota and the school district they should have helped the boy before he did something like this.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 7:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It sounds easy for people to say dont judge the 14 yr olds sins and to look at your own sins...Murder cant be compared to a lie, Murder is one of the worst sins of all and to top it off it was to take an innocent child's life. Would you feel the same if it was your child that was taken away from you? I believe in forgiveness but some things cannot and should not be forgiven. And I don't believe a tramatic past event makes you do evil things such as molestation, its called free will...

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 6:28 PM annonymous wrote ...

Little Alex may you now rest in peace. As for the 14 yr old, if it were up to me you should be held down and have everything you did to Alex done to you. For what you did. You should feel the pain you caused to someone who couldn't help themself. As for your mother saying justice won't be served, oh I believe it will

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 6:21 PM Jesus wrote ...

God isn't going to save you from anything.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 4:31 PM Angel wrote ...

I too have two boys and I can't say how sorry I am. I can believe a family has to be put through something like this. I am so so sorry...

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 4:21 PM anonymous wrote ...

when the bible says forgive and forget. it's talking about being slighted by someone. NOT MURDER. EYE FOR AN EYE.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 4:19 PM Judging Thy Neighbor wrote ...

Read your bible folks, your judging the parents as well as all the children, The bible says don't judge each other and your all breaking Gods Laws, Shame on Yall!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 4:15 PM Love God, Hate Sin wrote ...

I have been following this story from the beginning, the bible says to forgive and forget, judge thy neighbor as you would want them to judge you. This is evil all around, we are judging the parents when we should be helping them, read your bible folks. God Bless you All!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 3:36 PM redemption wrote ...

This is a tragedy all around for both families. The 14 yr old did have a caring parent just like the 4 yr old. Unfortunatley he experienced the same fate, without being physically killed. His molester served time and was released. There neede to be more follow-up and therapy in his life so that he wouldn't have continued the abuse that occurred to him. This may be a lead story, but unfortunatley it is something that happens much too often. I will be praying for all involved.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 3:33 PM socrates wrote ...

Lets celebrate the life of this 4 yr old and not give any shine to the evilness that has occured. its because we highlight these incidents and with all the evilness the news displays are why evil spreads in the first place. If the news focused only on the good in the world and our cities it would inspire us to be good, show evilness in people and you inspire evil thoughts. something to think about

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 3:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I was so saddened to hear this horrible story. My heart goes out to that baby boy and his family. Parents really must do a better job communicating with their kids to prevent this kind of acting out from a teenager. There must have been warning signs. Parents please don't ignore the signs. Send your child to a therapist if something seems off. Don't allow yourself to say in denial!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:58 PM Public wrote ...

DEPORT HIM.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:54 PM Human wrote ...

Your preceived God had nothing to do with it. You're all in for a very big disappointment.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:50 PM mat culver wrote ...

I will not watch ksee 24 ever again for screening my last comment and not posting it for mentioning The LORD and Christ.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:37 PM native wrote ...

One problem is there is no fathers in mendota... they barely got a police station. Everytime i drive through mendota all i see is drunks. wake up people! You neeed Christ! This will continue to happen because people do not raise their kids in the way of the LORD.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

As evil as this incident is God help all those of you who are passing judgement on this 14 year old. Look at your own lives to sin if there is No SIN in you and then cast the first stone. For there is no one who is without sin in this world and in God's eyes were all sinners and unless were saved we are all going to pay for all our sin. So be aware. You should be praying for this individual for his salvation, that's what I shall do.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:00 PM Upset Parent wrote ...

I can't believe anyone no matter what age could have this type of evilness in them to harm a child in this brutal way. You just can't trust anyone these days especially when it comes to your kids. May God be with Alex's family and friends. This 14 yr old deserves to be tried as an adult cause at 14 you know right from wrong, shame on you and those who want to protect you because of your age...ALEX WAS ONLY 4, an innocent child...you deserve everything coming to you.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 1:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

As parents we need to take control of our children,be there for them, may God less the berieved family.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 1:26 PM Kara wrote ...

Have you notice they haven't said anything about the 14 year olds parents.... I'm sorry lack of parents. People get a grip on your kids.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 1:22 PM anonymous wrote ...

Why the child himself do such? IS it lifestyle,family? Worst story ever!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 1:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

He should be publically hanged to send a message. If you don't like it, don't attend.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:56 PM ANONM wrote ...

WHY WOULD SOME ONE HAVE SUCH EVIL THOUGHTS AND HURT ANOTHER HUMAN BEING A BABY ANGEL MAY GOD BE WITH THERE FAMILY.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers to this family whose little angle has been taken so early and violently. i just can't believe how a child himself do such a thing to a little boy.. He is a monster and doesn't deserve to be part of this society.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:17 PM Anonymous 09 wrote ...

don't waste tax money on this animal...do away with him now...and save the state some money

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 11:06 AM jose peros wrote ...

kill him the same way

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 10:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...

This is one of the worst stories I've ever heard, i have 2 boys myself, 4 yrs and 9mo. im DEEPLY torn for Alex, my prayers are with him. What has become of our society? Why can't we as parents teach our children to be aspiring young kids, kids full of love and joy? OUR FUTURE rest on us...US being the parents. The longer we continue to put parenting last, the longer we will continue to witness our children be tortured and murdered and see our society crumble.. May God have Mercy on our children.

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