Golden West Casino Shooting Sees Conviction of Alleged MS-13 Gang Member

Posted on: March 19, 2025, 12:44h. 

Last updated on: March 19, 2025, 03:37h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Rafael Lainez Castro convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter in Bakersfield
  • Security guard fired back after suspect shot first
  • Alleged MS-13 gang member faces up to 15 years in prison

A Bakersfield, Calif., man who fired a gun at a security guard outside the Golden West Casino was convicted Monday of attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Rafael Lainez Castro, Golden West Casino, Bakersfield
A mugshot of Rafael Lainez Castro, above, who fired at a Golden West security guard he had repeatedly threatened to kill and was injured by return fire. (Image: Kern County District Attorney’s Office.)

Rafael Lainez Castro, 40, was also found guilty of assault with a firearm, attempted criminal threats, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle for his actions at the casino on July 25, 2023.

Castro, a reputed member of the MS-13 Hispanic street gang, spent the night drinking and gambling, according to prosecutors.

Threats to Kill

Around 2 a.m., Golden West Casino staff asked Castro to leave due to his disruptive behavior. When he refused, security personnel were called to escort him out. Castro immediately became physically aggressive and repeatedly threatened to kill one of the security guards, prosecutors said.

He eventually made his way to his vehicle in the casino parking lot. Instead of leaving, he drove over a curb and straight toward the front entrance, where security guards and several patrons were gathered.

As Castro neared the group, he rolled down his front passenger window, slowed his vehicle, and pointed a loaded handgun at the same security guard he had threatened earlier. He issued another death threat before firing multiple shots from inside his car.

Fearing for his life, the security guard drew his own firearm and returned fire, hitting Castro once. Castro then sped away.

“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,” said Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer in a statement. “Our office is committed to pursuing justice until sentencing is fully carried out.”

Castro faces up to 15 years in prison when he’s sentenced on April 15.

Prior Criminal History

Castro was one of 15 alleged MS-13 gang members or associates arrested in March 2016 as part of Operation Matador, a multiagency effort that involved simultaneous police raids on properties in Santa Maria, Bakersfield, and other cities.

Originally indicted for conspiracy to commit murder, he ultimately pleaded no contest to criminal street gang conspiracy and to offering to furnish a gun to another for the purpose of aiding, abetting, or enabling that person to commit a felony.

MS-13 is an international criminal street gang that was originally formed in Los Angeles by El Salvadorean immigrants before spreading to at least 10 US states, as well as to large parts of Central America and Canada. The gang is involved in drug and weapons trafficking, people smuggling, kidnap, murder, and extortion.

In January this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating the group an international terrorist organization.