Laredo Man Accused of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend Appointed New Attorney

Fernando Machado faces capital murder and other charges in 2025 killing

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or bullet casing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violence and investigation surrounding the alleged murder case.A recent wave of targeted street violence exposes tensions over autonomous vehicles and public safety in Laredo.Laredo Today

Fernando Machado, the suspect in Laredo's third homicide of 2025, was appointed a new attorney after the previous one withdrew from the case. Machado is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Frida Castillo, and engaging in a standoff with police that resulted in over 100 rounds fired.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system to balance due process, public safety, and support for victims' families, especially in high-profile domestic violence cases that involve complex mental health issues.

The details

Machado was previously arrested in January 2025 for an attempted strangulation of Castillo which occurred in 2024. The standoff occurred on March 15, 2025, when police responded to reports of a shooting at a residence. Machado allegedly fired over 100 rounds from an automatic weapon before being detained by the SWAT team. Castillo, her brother Jorge, and her mother Diana Elizabeth Lopez were all airlifted to San Antonio, where Castillo later died.

  • Machado was arrested in January 2025 for an attempted strangulation of Castillo.
  • The standoff and shooting occurred on March 15, 2025.
  • Machado was released from the hospital and returned to Laredo on March 20, 2025 to be served with pending warrants.
  • On March 27, 2026, the court appointed a new attorney to represent Machado and set a pre-trial hearing for May 11, 2026.
  • Jury selection for the trial is scheduled for July 6, 2026.

The players

Fernando Machado

The suspect in Laredo's third homicide of 2025, who is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend Frida Castillo and engaging in a standoff with police.

Frida Castillo

Machado's 20-year-old ex-girlfriend, who was killed in the March 2025 incident.

Jorge Castillo

Frida Castillo's 22-year-old brother, who was also airlifted to San Antonio following the shooting.

Diana Elizabeth Lopez

Frida Castillo's 44-year-old mother, who was hospitalized in Laredo following the incident.

Fred Trevino

The new attorney appointed to represent Fernando Machado after the previous attorney withdrew from the case.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure due process while also prioritizing public safety and supporting victims' families in these complex cases.”

— Robert Jenkins, Laredo Resident

What’s next

The judge will decide on May 11, 2026 whether to allow Machado to remain free on bail pending the start of the trial, which is scheduled to begin jury selection on July 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system to balance due process, public safety, and support for victims' families, especially in high-profile domestic violence cases that involve complex mental health issues.