John Jefferson
Inset: Ricardo Perez Castillo appears in a booking photo (Kent County Sheriff’s Office); Main image: the gated community where the defendant allegedly stabbed an 11-year-old girl on June 15, 2024 (Google Maps)
A Michigan man is behind bars on a laundry list of charges after allegedly breaking into a sleepover and stabbing an 11-year-old girl repeatedly, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
The bravery of the homeowner appears to have saved the child’s life, according to law enforcement. The father of the girl hosting the sleepover quickly sprung into action and confronted the home invader — holding him at gunpoint until sheriff’s deputies arrived.
Now, Ricardo Perez Castillo, 24, stands accused of one count each of assault with intent to murder, home invasion in the first degree, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involving penetration, and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent.
The incident occurred during the early morning hours on June 15, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies received a call about a man “being in the caller’s home” on Ella Terrace Court just before 3 a.m.
The homeowner told 911 dispatch the intruder had entered his residence covered in a “large amount of blood,” Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir told Grand Rapids-based Fox affiliate WXMI. While the victim was stabbed “multiple times,” according to Muir, the homeowner’s daughter was not physically hurt by Castillo.
Law enforcement say the man simply walked into the home, gone upstairs, and found the two girls sleeping. Muir advised the community to lock their doors and remain aware of their neighbors.
“Thankful we’re able to get this monster off the streets,” the undersheriff told the TV station. “Obviously, all of our thoughts and prayers go to [the victim] and her family.”
The attacked little girl is said to be in stable condition, authorities have said — though the extent of her injuries is not publicly known.
For now, the mystery behind the dire crime remains.
“Right now, we believe this is a completely random act and there’s no connection to the residence or the family whatsoever and that’s obviously one of those case facts that’s concerning to us,” the undersheriff told Grand Rapids-based NBC affiliate WOOD.
The defendant is believed to have “connections” to Kent County but there is “nothing to connect the suspect” to the home he allegedly entered or the people inside of the home, according to Muir.
The investigation is ongoing, law enforcement say.
“We really are trying to connect all the dots right now in the investigation to determine how we ended up at this residence,” Muir told WXMI.
Castillo was arraigned Monday in Kent County’s 63rd District Court. His next court appearance is currently slated for June 26. A follow-up court date has been scheduled for July 3, the sheriff’s office told Law&Crime.
The defendant is currently being held without bond in the Kent County Jail.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Read the full article here