Knife-wielding man killed by Merced County deputies during hostage standoff identified

A 27-year-old man shot to death by Merced County Sheriff’s deputies during a hostage standoff early Sunday has been identified by the coroner as Jose Manuel Castro of Dos Palos.

Deputies say Castro was armed with two knives and had trapped his girlfriend and three children inside a bedroom at home in the 1300 block of Ida Street in Dos Palos, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

Deputies responded around 3 a.m. after a woman called 911 and said a man was inside a residence threatening to stab her and three children.

Upon their arrival, deputies found Castro pacing in a hallway with a large kitchen knife in each hand. Deputies said Castro been threatening to stab the hostages “in their necks.”

After surrounding the residence, deputies spoke with Castro and the victims through a locked bedroom window, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities said several attempts were made to negotiate with Castro, who reportedly picked up a third knife and continued threats of violence against the girlfriend and three children.

The Sheriff’s Office said deputies spent about 45 minutes attempting to get Castro release the children. Castro refused, and began counting down from five as deputies pleaded for Castro to drop the knives.

According to authorities, Castro counted down to one and while holding a knife in each hand, rushed the bedroom where his girlfriend and children were located hiding in a corner. Deputies opened fire, shooting Castro in order to protect the victims.

Following the shooting, deputies entered the home and moved the victims to safety. Deputies attempted life saving measures on Castro ,who died at the scene due to his injuries.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office and the Merced County Valley Crisis Center are working to assist the family with temporary housing and counseling.