BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man who fired a gun at a security guard at Golden West Casino in 2023 was convicted Monday on multiple charges and faces up to 15 years in prison, announced the Kern County District Attorney.
On March 17, 2025, Rafael Castro was found guilty by a Kern County jury of attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, attempted criminal threat, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited due to conviction, and unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, Castro entered the Golden West Casino in southeast Bakersfield to gamble and drink alcohol. At around 2 a.m. he was asked to leave the property for causing a disturbance.
However, Castro refused to leave and security personnel were asked to escort him out of the building. At that time, Castro immediately began physically fighting with security, growing more upset, and repeatedly threatened the life of a security guard, said prosecutors.
Castro then returned to his vehicle in the parking lot and drove over a curb toward the front of the casino where the security guards and other patrons were standing.
Then, as Castro approached the group of people in his vehicle, he lowered the front passenger window, slowed down, and pointed a loaded handgun toward the same security guard he just threatened.
Once again, Castro threatened the security guard’s life and shot his gun several times in his direction from inside his vehicle.
The guard, in fear for his life, pulled out a handgun that was in his possession and returned fire, hitting Castro once. Castro immediately drove away from the casino.
“This incident, fueled by alcohol, unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving several shaken. The motive behind this violent act is serious and will not be taken lightly. Our office is committed to pursuing justice until sentencing is fully carried out,” stated Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer.
Castro was also found guilty by the jury that he personally used a firearm during the commission of both the attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm.
Castro is set to be sentenced on April 15, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
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