Metro Grandmother Seeks Closure After Shooting Death Of 16-Year-Old Grandson

A metro grandmother spoke out on Monday after a shooting that took the life of her 16-year-old grandson.

Monday, March 27th 2023, 5:42 pm

By: Jennifer Pierce

OKLAHOMA CITY -

A metro grandmother spoke out on Monday after a shooting that took the life of her 16-year-old grandson.

Diana Rivera, the victim’s grandmother, wants closure and answers from the accused shooter, a person she considered part of their family.

Oklahoma City Police found 16-year-old Armani Rivera’s body in a ditch near Southwest 72nd and Indiana Avenue six weeks ago.

The victim’s family called it “the spot” and created a memorial there to visit.

The ditch in southwest Oklahoma City was Rivera’s shortcut to and from work.

“He always went to work through there and came home through there,” Diana Rivera said.

However, Armani did not come home the night of Feb. 16.

Armani’s grandmother knew something was wrong when she saw police lights and crime tape in the area.

“I texted him at 10:10 again because he wasn’t home and said, ‘Hey where are you,’ and he didn’t answer,” Rivera said. “So, I called him, and it went to voicemail so right, then I said, ‘something’s not right.’”

Diana’s life took a tragic turn when she was told her 16-year-old grandson was murdered and the suspect was one of his friends.

“He used to stay at the house two, three, four days in a row,” Rivera said. “Nobody would ever look for him, nobody would call him.”

Police said 16-year-old Marco Castro shot his friend multiple times and then stole the victim’s phone and wallet.

“I get angry still at moments,” Rivera said. “I have a lot of anger and I ask why?”

Rivera will never see her grandson's smile again or hear about his dreams of playing professional football.

“So much to live for,” Rivera said. “Graduation, you know everything.”

Rivera had this to say to the teenager who is sitting behind bars accused of murder:

“Marco, I hope one day you can reach out to me whether it’s by letter or by phone and talk to me. We were family. It’s not like you were a stranger. Just tell me what happened so I can have closure.”

Rivera said investigators never found her grandson’s phone or wallet.

Castro was charged with first-degree murder, robbery and concealing stolen property. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 26.