Riverside Man Charged with Murder Following Fatal November Assault
RIVERSIDE, CA – A 23-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following a fatal encounter in late November, according to the Riverside Police Department. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed the charges against Ray Jai Watters, a Riverside resident, in connection with the death of 33-year-old Richard Castaneda.
The investigation began on the morning of Friday, November 28, 2025. At approximately 6:50 a.m., officers responded to reports of an assault involving a deadly weapon in the 5900 block of Magnolia Avenue. Upon their arrival, first responders located Mr. Castaneda, who was suffering from injuries to his head. He was transported to a local hospital and was initially listed in stable condition. However, authorities confirmed that Mr. Castaneda died from his injuries on December 4.
Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Unit conducted an investigation into the incident. Their findings indicated that the injuries resulted from an unprovoked physical altercation between two men described by police as homeless. Investigators identified Mr. Watters as the suspect and subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On December 8, officers with the Field Operations Division located Mr. Watters and took him into custody. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of murder, where he is currently being held on $1 million bail.
The Riverside Police Department is seeking additional information regarding the case. Members of the public may contact Detective Ricky Barajas at (951) 353-7213 or via email at EBarajas@RiversideCA.gov. Detective Stanley Hua is also available at SHua@RiversideCA.gov. Information can also be provided anonymously through the department’s “Atlas 1” mobile application.
Ray Jai Watters
