My heart is broken. This is Carlos Castillo Molina. He lived and worked in DC and commuted to his various jobs by scooter. Last night was going to be his last scooter ride. Carlos had finally bought a car and he was on his way to pick up the key from the seller. Excited for him, Carlos’s 16 year old brother shared a scooter with them with both looking forward to surprising their mother and bringing home the family’s first car. Then a hit and run driver hit them from behind. The driver abandoned his car and fleed on foot. The DC police are trying to find him. Carlos likely never knew what hit him as he was declared dead at the scene. His brother has been hospitalized with life threatening and possibly head injuries.

I have represented Carlos and his family since 2016 when he was 17. In 2023 I helped them win a grant of asylum. Carlos' green card application was pending and just awaiting an interview. He had very difficult childhood and traumatic life in El Salvador. His father was murdered, his body never recovered and the family were relentlessly threatened. As a young 17 year old, Carlos helped his mother and younger brother escape El Salvador and was instrumental in his mother winning a grant of asylum.

Regardless of the trials and tribulations of removal proceedings, Carlos always had a smile that lit up the room, a joke to lighten a tough moment or a hug for his mom as he sensed her stress. While in high school, Carlos held down almost a full time after school job at Wendys and helped his mother raise his two younger brothers.

Carlos aspired to be a chef. After high school he never worked less than 3 jobs in 3 different restaurants in DC. The relationship between Carlos and his mother was touching and deep. They were not just mother and son but best friends.

I spoke to Carlos's mother and as I am also a mother, I cannot even begin to imagine her pain. She was grateful for my offer to start this Go Fund Me. She very much wants to be able to return Carlos to his birthplace in El Salvador and then needs to find a way to help her youngest to recover from his injuries and carry on to live without her best friend and be the sole emotional and financial support for her family. Please share this Go Fund Me to help Carlos' mom.