In Loving Memory of Joseph Castillo Gone Too Soon, Forever Remembered
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Joseph Castillo, age 40, whose life was tragically taken in a senseless act of violence on the city’s Southside late Tuesday night. The tragedy has left family, friends, and neighbors in deep sorrow, as they struggle to comprehend the sudden loss of a man remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering love for those closest to him.
According to Syracuse Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Midland and West Brighton Avenues on the night of October 14, at approximately 11:04 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Joseph suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck, arm, and back. He was rushed to Upstate University Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite lifesaving efforts. His passing marked another devastating reminder of the toll that violence continues to take on the community.
Joseph Castillo was known by those who loved him as a man with a generous heart and a resilient spirit. He was a loyal friend, a devoted family member, and a hardworking individual who cared deeply for others. His presence could brighten any room, and his laughter brought warmth and comfort to everyone around him. To his loved ones, Joseph was more than a victim — he was a person of deep compassion, someone who always found time to help others even when life tested him.
In the days following the tragedy, the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an intensive investigation to bring justice for Joseph and his family. Detectives conducted numerous interviews, canvassed the surrounding neighborhood, and executed multiple search warrants. Their tireless efforts led to the identification and arrest of 41-year-old Lakeeyah May, of Syracuse, who was taken into custody on October 16 in the 500 block of West Brighton Avenue without incident.
May has been charged with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. She is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center pending arraignment. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to urge anyone with information to contact the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 315-442-5222.
While the arrest brings some measure of progress toward justice, it cannot erase the pain of losing Joseph — a man whose life was filled with love, potential, and meaning. His family and friends are left holding onto precious memories: his laughter, his kindness, and the way he made others feel valued and seen. His absence leaves an ache that words cannot heal, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
As the Syracuse community mourns, they also come together in solidarity, remembering Joseph not for the violence that took his life, but for the light and love he shared so freely. His legacy is one of compassion and connection — a reminder that every life, no matter how short, leaves an enduring mark on the world.
May Joseph Castillo rest in eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from a community that will never forget him.
🕯️ Forever Loved. Forever Remembered.
