Yakima Man Sentenced for Fatal Shooting
A judge sentenced Carson Patrick Casey to 27 months in prison following a guilty plea for second-degree manslaughter.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Violence
Carson Patrick Casey received a 27-month prison sentence in Yakima County Superior Court for the October 2023 death of Jennifer Castro. The incident occurred after Casey pointed a pistol in their home, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of alcohol use and firearm handling in domestic settings. Prosecutors agreed to drop a firearm enhancement as part of a plea deal, leading to a sentence within the standard range.
Casey received a 27-month sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter in Yakima County Superior Court. He is also required to complete a substance abuse assessment as part of his court-ordered mandate.
The players
Carson Patrick Casey
The 34-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the death of Jennifer Castro.
Jennifer Castro
The 32-year-old victim who died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
The details
On the night of October 27, 2023, police responded to a home in the 1300 block of South 11th Ave in Yakima, where they found 34-year-old Casey attempting to perform CPR on 32-year-old Castro. Investigators noted that Casey smelled of alcohol when questioned about the single gunshot that struck the victim in the chest.
Timeline
October 27, 2023: Jennifer Castro was shot and killed at their Yakima residence.
October 6, 2026: Carson Patrick Casey was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
Legal Context
This sentencing reflects the outcome of a plea agreement regarding Washington state's firearm sentencing enhancement statutes. By opting for a guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter, the defendant avoided the additional mandatory time associated with the firearm enhancement.
The incident serves as a grim reminder for the local community regarding the risks of keeping unsecured firearms in the home. Residents are encouraged to utilize available safety resources for firearm storage and substance abuse support.
The takeaway
This tragedy underscores the lethal potential of combining alcohol and firearms within a household. For those managing firearms, proper training and secure, unloaded storage remain the most effective methods for preventing accidental deaths.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety trends on the Violence page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yakima Herald-Republic.
