Defendant ordered to stand trial in Merced taxicab slaying

Joseph E. Castrillo shot and killed taxi driver Dean Barker just after midnight Jan. 5, 2015, then bragged about the slaying later that morning while smoking marijuana with family and friends, according to witness testimony.

Barker, 59, was a well-known driver for the Merced Taxicab Co. and a former Dos Palos police officer. He was shot to death in the front seat of his cab in the 300 block of Mimi Lane in Merced.

Castrillo, 19, was arrested 10 days later and has pleaded not guilty to murder. Castrillo’s co-defendant, Dante Woods, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter Friday.

Castrillo was ordered Friday to stand trial by Judge Ronald W. Hansen after a preliminary hearing in Merced Superior Court.

The name of the witness who testified Friday is being withheld at the request of Merced County prosecutors, who said identifying the witness could jeopardize the witness and the witness’s family.

“A potential witness in this case was beaten to death in a vicious gang-related attack at the jail,” District Attorney Larry Morse II told the Merced Sun-Star. “Going forward, there would be no point in attacking this witness (who testified Friday) since his testimony will come in at trial no matter what.”

A transcript of the witness’s testimony would be read to jurors at the trial, should the witness not be able to testify for any reason, prosecutors confirmed.

Castrillo, who has been described by police as a known gang member, is accused of clubbing Barker in the head with a chrome revolver and firing two to three shots, striking Barker in the head. He then left the cab on foot and went to a family member’s home where, according to the witness, he was seen smoking marijuana while “smiling” and “bragging” about the slaying.

According to Merced Police Department reports, Castrillo told family members he intended to rob Barker but said he “messed up” and “panicked.” He said he was “so scared” after the slaying that he ran from the scene without taking any money.

Castrillo faces a life prison sentence if convicted. His attorney, Deputy Public Defender Michael Coughlin, declined to comment Friday.

Castrillo was ordered to return to court June 24 for arraignment. He remained in custody Friday without bail at the Merced County jail.

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Defendant ordered to stand trial in Merced taxicab slaying."