A second man was wounded, and police said the shooter fled on foot.
WILMINGTON, Calif. — A birthday party at a Wilmington pizza shop ended in a fatal shooting Saturday when a man trying to stop a fight was killed and another man was wounded, Los Angeles police said.
The victim was identified by relatives as Andres Castellas, 26, a father who had gathered with loved ones at Red West Pizza. Police said Castellas intervened during a fight between two women before a male suspect opened fire inside the restaurant.
Officers responded to Red West Pizza at 614 W. Pacific Coast Highway at about 5:51 p.m. Saturday. Investigators said the shooter fired multiple rounds, striking Castellas and another man. Castellas died after the shooting. The second victim, a man in his 20s, was hospitalized with stable vital signs, officials said.
Authorities said the gunman left the area on foot. Police have not released his name, and no confirmed arrest had been announced by Tuesday. Investigators have not said whether the shooter knew Castellas, the wounded man or either of the women involved in the fight.
Relatives said Castellas was at the restaurant for his 26th birthday. They said he had come to the United States from Colombia about three years earlier to build a better life and provide for his young daughter. Maria Rondan, his girlfriend, said the family lost a father, son and partner in a sudden act of violence.
Rondan said Castellas was known for making others feel seen and cared for. “He was a very happy guy,” she said. Michelle Costa said Castellas did not like violence and often tried to calm tense moments. Family members said that is what they believe he was doing when he was shot.
The shooting also left workers and customers at the restaurant caught in the police response. Officers closed off the area near Pacific Coast Highway and Bay View Avenue while detectives examined the scene. Officials have not released details about any weapon recovered or surveillance video from the restaurant.
The case remains in its early stages. Police said they are still working to determine what led to the fight and the shooting. Detectives are expected to continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence from the restaurant and surrounding area.
Castellas’ family and friends have begun raising money for funeral costs. Loved ones said they want his daughter to know who he was and how much he was loved. The suspect remained at large Tuesday, and police had not announced a court date or charges.
Author note: Last updated May 12, 2026.