Laredo, TX — A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend during a March 2025 shooting and standoff in Laredo is again asking a judge for permission to represent himself in his capital murder case.
Fernando Machado appeared in custody by Zoom for an Aug. 17 pretrial hearing before Judge David Garcia in the 406th District Court. Machado was expected to enter a plea, but instead again requested to proceed without his current defense attorney, Fred Trevino.
A hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. to determine whether Machado will be permitted to represent himself or remain represented by Trevino.
Machado is accused of killing his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend, Frida Castillo, following a March 15, 2025 incident at a residence in the 3900 block of Bannock Lane. Castillo was airlifted to San Antonio and later died.
Authorities also reported that Castillo’s brother and mother were injured.
The incident developed into a standoff with Laredo police. Authorities said Machado fired at responding officers as more than 100 rounds were discharged from what police described as an automatic, heavy-duty firearm. Officers returned fire, and a SWAT team later entered the residence, where Machado was shot and taken into custody.
Machado faces capital murder along with multiple additional charges, including burglary of a habitation, 18 counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, animal cruelty and four counts of deadly conduct.
Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty. A capital murder conviction in the case would carry life imprisonment without parole.
Machado has previously sought to represent himself. Court records indicate he was allowed to proceed pro se in December 2025 with assisting counsel, but in March 2026 he requested that Trevino be appointed to represent him.
The charges are accusations. Machado is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.