Police Release New Video, Seek Two Suspects in 2025 University District Murder
Updated (3 articles)
New surveillance footage identifies two distinct assailants The Seattle Police Department issued a public appeal after reviewing recently released video that captures the attack on 52‑year‑old Carlos Castillo in June 2025. The footage shows the suspects confronting Castillo first in an alley and again on Northeast 50th Street before the fatal stabbing [1]. Detectives say the video provides clearer images of both men, aiding the identification effort [1].
First suspect described by clothing and bicycle details The primary assailant appears light‑skinned, possibly Hispanic or Black, wearing a black puffer jacket, light‑colored distressed jeans, and a gold chain while riding a thin‑tired bicycle [1]. His attire and the bicycle are visible throughout the encounter, giving investigators a concrete visual reference [1]. Police stress that these specifics are crucial for eyewitnesses to recognize him [1].
Second suspect distinguished by torn jacket and unique gloves The second individual is also light‑skinned, possibly Hispanic or Black, dressed in cargo jeans and a torn black puffer jacket with a tear on the back left side [1]. He wears black gloves featuring a distinctive finger‑bone design, a detail highlighted in the video [1]. This unique accessory is intended to help separate him from other pedestrians in the area [1].
Victim’s fatal injuries and timeline clarified Castillo suffered a neck wound that caused his death after lying bleeding for approximately 37 minutes [1]. He walked half a block before collapsing on University Way Northwest, where he remained until officers arrived [1]. The King County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as a stab wound to the neck [1].
Reward offered to encourage public assistance Crime Stoppers announced a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of either suspect [1]. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206‑233‑5000 [1]. The department urges anyone with relevant details to come forward promptly [1].
Timeline
May 3, 2025 – Oscar V. Rios, 34, is fatally stabbed in the parking lot of the Cove Apartment Homes in Federal Way during a dispute between their families; the assailant steals Rios’s 2018 gray Honda Pilot and flees the scene. [3]
June 2025 – Carlos Castillo, 52, is stabbed in Seattle’s University District; he walks roughly half a block, collapses on University Way NW, lies bleeding for about 37 minutes, and later dies of a neck wound at Harborview Medical Center. [1]
June 6, 2025 – Federal agents attempt to arrest Victor Vivanco‑Reyes on Camano Island after weeks of surveillance; he tries to escape in a company truck, crashes into agents’ vehicles, and injures two agents. [2]
May – Nov 2025 – The Federal Way stabbing suspect remains at large after the May 3 homicide, evading police for several months until authorities locate him in Texas. [3]
Nov 19, 2025 – Police arrest the 37‑year‑old Federal Way stabbing suspect in the Dallas area; he is held for extradition to Washington to face homicide charges. [3]
Dec 4, 2025 – News outlets report the suspect’s arrest and note that investigators continue searching for the stolen Honda Pilot. [3]
Jan 13, 2026 – A Seattle jury acquits Victor Vivanco‑Reyes on all four felony counts stemming from the June 6 Camano Island incident; he remains in custody on an immigration hold, and his partner Solano calls the arrest “devastating” for their family. [2]
Jan 27, 2026 – Seattle police release surveillance video and ask the public to identify two light‑skinned male suspects in the June 2025 University District stabbing; Crime Stoppers offers a $1,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. [1]