The Tragic Fate Of Spooky On My Block: 7 Shocking Updates On Oscar Diaz And Actor Julio Macias

The character of Oscar "Spooky" Diaz remains one of the most compelling and heartbreaking figures in modern teen drama, a complex antagonist-turned-hero from the hit Netflix series On My Block. Even years after the show's final season, fans continue to search for updates on the character's life, his tragic end, and what the actor who brought him to life is doing now. This deep dive, current as of December 2025, reveals the latest on the fan-favorite character and the man behind the iconic "Lil Spooky" persona.

The arc of Spooky, from the menacing leader of the Santos gang to a man desperately trying to "break the cycle," resonated deeply with audiences, making his ultimate fate in Season 4 a moment that still sparks intense discussion and sorrow across the internet. His story is a powerful narrative about redemption, the inescapable nature of one's past, and the profound impact he had on his younger brother, Cesar Diaz.

Julio Macias: Spooky’s Actor Biography and Latest Projects

The magnetic performance of Oscar "Spooky" Diaz was delivered by the talented Mexican-American actor, Julio Macias. His portrayal was lauded for bringing depth, vulnerability, and a surprising amount of humor to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional gang stereotype. Here is a quick look at the man behind the infamous face tattoo.

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• Full Name: Julio Arturo Macias
• Born: March 20, 1990
• Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
• Nationality: Mexican-American
• Breakthrough Role: Oscar "Spooky" Diaz in On My Block (2018–2021)
• Notable Roles: Pete Astudillo in Selena: The Series, Manny in S.W.A.T., Esteban in Life is Strange: True Colors (Video Game).
• Current Status: Continues to work as an actor, producer, and writer in Los Angeles.

Julio Macias’ Career After Leaving Freeridge

Since saying an emotional goodbye to the Freeridge neighborhood and the On My Block cast, Julio Macias has focused on diverse projects, cementing his status as a versatile performer. His time as Spooky, which initially began as a recurring role before being promoted to a series regular, opened many doors.

Following the final season of On My Block, Macias continued his work on another major Netflix project, Selena: The Series, where he played Pete Astudillo, a member of the iconic singer's band. While fans often search for his latest film or TV show in 2024 and 2025, Macias has also been involved in producing, indicating a desire to shape the stories he tells from behind the camera. His voice-acting work in the video game Life is Strange: True Colors also showcases his range outside of live-action drama.

The Tragic Redemption: Spooky’s Final Arc Explained

The character arc of Oscar Diaz is arguably the most poignant and complete in the entire series. When we first meet him, he is Lil Spooky, the hardened, intimidating leader of the Santos gang, fresh out of prison and constantly pulling his younger brother, Cesar, into the cycle of violence.

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However, over the course of the seasons, the audience witnesses a profound transformation. Spooky's ultimate goal was not power, but peace and a normal life. This desire for a redemption arc culminates in the Season 4 time jump, where he has finally achieved his dream.

The Life Oscar Diaz Fought For

In the final season, Oscar had successfully left the Santos gang and moved to Portland, leaving the streets of Freeridge behind. He changed his name, embraced a new life, and became a chef. The most significant part of his new chapter was his family: he was engaged to his fiancée, Isabel, and they were expecting a baby. This was the "happy ending" that fans had long wished for the character.

His new life was a testament to his strength and determination to protect his future child from the life he and Cesar had been forced into. He was finally breaking the cycle. This brief period of peace made his subsequent death even more devastating for both the characters and the viewers.

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Who Killed Spooky and How It Changed Cesar Forever?

The shocking death of Oscar Diaz in Season 4, Episode 5 remains the single most impactful moment of the final season. It was a brutal reminder that, in the world of On My Block, escaping the gang life rarely comes without consequence.

The Inescapable Past: Oscar's Murder

Oscar was shot and killed while standing on his porch in what appeared to be a drive-by shooting. The identity of the shooter was never explicitly revealed, but the implication is clear: it was a retaliatory act tied to his past with the Santos or a rival gang, like the 19th Street gang. His attempt to leave the life ultimately made him a target.

This event served as the ultimate tragic twist. Spooky had achieved his dream of a safe, normal life, only for his past to catch up to him and destroy it. He died protecting his family, leaving behind his fiancée, Isabel, and their newborn daughter, Lydia Diaz.

The Aftermath: Cesar’s Return to the Gang

Oscar’s death had an immediate and devastating effect on his younger brother, Cesar Diaz. The loss of his protector and role model, combined with the crushing realization that his brother’s efforts to go straight were ultimately futile, pushed Cesar to make a desperate choice.

In a dark reversal of their roles, Cesar stepped up to fill the void left by Oscar, becoming the new leader of the Santos gang. This was the exact cycle Oscar had died trying to break, making his sacrifice all the more heartbreaking. The final scenes show Cesar embracing the gang life, a direct result of his brother's tragedy, though the series finale hinted at a possible path out for Cesar as well.

Spooky’s Legacy in the Freeridge Spin-Off

While On My Block concluded with Season 4, the narrative continued with the spin-off series, Freeridge. Although Spooky does not appear, his presence and the events of the original series loom large over the new characters and the neighborhood.

The spin-off focuses on a new group of friends—Gloria, Ines, Demi, and Cameron—who also live in the titular neighborhood of Freeridge. The show carries the torch of the original, dealing with themes of coming-of-age, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a tough environment. The original show's themes of gang violence, like the Santos and Prophets, are part of the landscape the new characters navigate, a world fundamentally shaped by the life and death of Oscar Diaz.

Fans often debate if Freeridge lives up to the original, but one thing is certain: the shadow of Spooky On My Block and his tragic quest for a better life remains a foundational element of the entire fictional universe. His story serves as a constant, somber reminder of the stakes involved in trying to escape the cycle of the streets, ensuring that Oscar Diaz’s legacy endures long after the final episode.