SeaTac, WA – January 24, 2025
A Federal Way man, Francisco Castro-Guzman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a road rage shooting on Interstate 5 in SeaTac that left 38-year-old Bryan Dukes paralyzed. The 21-year-old opened fire from his Audi sedan during a traffic altercation nearly two years ago, a shocking act of violence that underscored the dangers of road rage incidents in Washington State.
Incident Details
The road rage shooting happened during a heated altercation on I-5 when Castro-Guzman, driving an Audi sedan, opened fire on Dukes. The bullets left Dukes, a father of two, permanently paralyzed. Law enforcement traced Castro-Guzman through a tip to Crime Stoppers, leading to his arrest.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Castro-Guzman pleaded guilty to charges including assault, drive-by shooting, and unlawful possession of a firearm. During the sentencing hearing at King County Superior Court, Dukes’ wife delivered an emotional victim impact statement, detailing the profound effects of the tragedy on their family.
While the family had pushed for a 20-year sentence, the judge imposed a 10-year term, citing mitigating factors such as Castro-Guzman’s age, lack of prior criminal history, and the challenges he faced during his incarceration. According to court records, the judge noted that without these mitigating circumstances, a longer sentence of 12 years would have been considered.
Community Reaction
The sentencing sparked mixed reactions. Dukes’ family expressed disappointment over the 10-year sentence but acknowledged the importance of justice being served. “This will not bring back what we’ve lost, but we hope it serves as a warning against reckless violence,” Dukes’ wife stated after the hearing.
Aftermath of the Shooting
Notably, Castro-Guzman was involved in a separate violent incident shortly after the road rage shooting, which resulted in him losing his sight. This development played a role in the judge’s sentencing considerations.
Impact of Road Rage in Washington State
This case has brought renewed attention to the dangers of road rage incidents on Washington highways, especially along high-traffic routes like Interstate 5. Authorities urge drivers to remain calm during disputes and report aggressive behavior to law enforcement immediately.
The SeaTac road rage shooting serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and aggressive driving. As Dukes’ family continues to rebuild their lives, the case highlights the need for stricter measures to combat road rage and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source : FOX 13 Seattle