OAKLAND, CA — A tragic shooting at an illegal nightclub in Oakland’s Highland neighborhood has left the community mourning the loss of Fernando Castillo Rodriguez, a 23-year-old manager at Wooden Table Baking Company and a lifelong Oakland resident. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, around 3:45 a.m. in the 900 block of 85th Avenue, approximately a mile east of Oakland Arena.
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert, a system designed to detect gunshot acoustics, and discovered Castillo Rodriguez suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Family members, including his cousin Everlyn Roque, confirmed that Fernando was leaving the underground nightclub to head home when the shooting occurred.
“He was trying to come back home, but he didn’t make it,” Roque said, her voice heavy with grief. She described Fernando as a vibrant soul with a quiet demeanor, deeply tied to his family and community. “He was like a little brother to me. He loved metal music, had a thing for oysters, and was such a hard worker. He was shy, but once you got him talking, he’d light up.”
Fernando, who grew up in Oakland, worked alongside his mother and aunt at Wooden Table Baking Company, a local business known for its artisanal baked goods. His dedication and gentle nature left a lasting impression on those around him. A memorial now stands near the shooting site, where friends, family, and community members have gathered to honor his memory with flowers, candles, and heartfelt tributes.
The nightclub, located in a neighborhood mixed with residences, churches, and commercial spaces, had been operating illegally for months, according to party-goers interviewed by local media. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes following the shooting, with doors locked and attendees unable to leave before police arrived. Oakland police detained dozens of individuals at the scene, many secured with zip ties for up to eight hours, though no arrests related to the shooting have been announced.
The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Castillo Rodriguez’s death. No suspects have been identified, and details about the events leading to the shooting remain limited. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at (510) 238-3821 or the tip line at (510) 238-7950. Videos or photos that could aid the investigation can be sent to [email protected].
The loss of Fernando Castillo Rodriguez has left a profound void in Oakland. His family, friends, and the broader community continue to grieve a young man whose promising life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. As the investigation continues, those who knew him hold onto memories of his warmth, dedication, and quiet brilliance.