BIG SPRING, TX — A Big Spring business is mourning the death of a beloved staff member and is working towards raising funds for funeral expenses.
Yanela Castro, 29, had been employed at Alberto’s for over a year. Staff members describe her as a sweet soul who always had a smile on her face. Sadly, today the Big Spring Police Department confirmed that she was the victim of the tragic shooting that occurred on Dec. 27, 2024.
According to BSPD, she was shot by Joansy San Pendro, who is believed to have shot Castro inside a residence then chased her outside where he continued to shoot her. Sources close to Castro, said she had been in a relationship with San Pendro and had recently ended it.
Gene Rodriguez, with Alberto’s, told KBest News that Castro didn’t bring her relationship problems to work with her and she was always happy to be there.
When asked why they felt moved to fundraiser for Castro, Rodriguez said because she was a very, very pleasant person to be around and great help.
“She’s part of the team and she been around Jeremy and I for over a year now. She’s like family,” said Rodriguez. “We know that she doesn’t have any family besides what family we are here and we wanna make sure that she gets back home to her mom, and to her daughter, and family.”
The goal is to raise $15,000 to send Castro back to Cuba where she can be laid to rest near her family. They also hope to be able to have a memorial service in Big Spring so those that cared about her can pay their respects. Castro is survived by a 12-year-old daughter, mother, and siblings.
Money to help cover funeral expenses and to send Castro’s body home to Cuba can be donated at Alberto’s, Devour, and Myer’s and Smith Funeral Home in Big Spring.
(Photos: Yanela Castro)
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