Oakland Mourns Loss of Fernando Castillo Rodriguez, 23-Year-Old Bakery Manager Fatally Shot While Leaving Unlawful Nightclub

OAKLAND, CA — The victim of a deadly weekend shooting at an unlawful nightclub in Oakland has been identified by both his family and law enforcement as Fernando Castillo Rodriguez, a 23-year-old manager of the Wooden Table Baking Company and a longtime resident of Oakland.

The tragic incident took place around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday along 85th Avenue, at a location party-goers say had been operating illegally for months. According to witnesses, Castillo Rodriguez had been at the event but was in the process of leaving to return home when he was fatally shot.

“He was attempting to come back home, but he was unable to reach home,” said his cousin, Everlyn Roque, who shared memories of a young man full of passion and quiet warmth.

Fernando grew up in Oakland and was deeply connected to his family and community. At only 23, he managed a beloved local business, Wooden Table Baking Company, working closely with his mother and aunt on a daily basis. Roque described him as hardworking, dedicated, and gentle-natured.

“He was like a younger brother to me,” she said. “He had a passion for metal music. He adored oysters. He was a diligent worker. He was somewhat reserved, but once you engaged him in conversation, he lit up.”

A memorial has been set up near the scene of the shooting, where friends, loved ones, and community members have gathered to mourn and pay tribute to Fernando’s life.

The Oakland Police Department is currently investigating the fatal shooting. During the initial response, several individuals at the nightclub were reportedly restrained with zip ties while authorities secured the scene and began their inquiry.

As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Oakland Police Homicide Detectives at (510) 238-3821 or (510) 238-7950.

Fernando’s loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, and the Oakland community mourns the loss of a kind and promising young man whose life was taken far too soon.