Minnesota – In a disturbing case in Minnesota, a 40-year-old man, identified as R. Castillo, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for the murder of his 41-year-old wife, identified as C. Woodhull, in front of a group of people during a Bible study session.
The tragic incident unfolded on the evening of March 21, 2023, at the home of Castillo’s sister, where a regular Bible study was taking place. According to reports from the police department and multiple news sources, the gathering turned deadly when Castillo, after a seemingly gentle interaction that included holding hands and a kiss, whispered something into his wife’s ear. Moments after Woodhull shook her head in response, Castillo pulled out a hunting knife and began stabbing her repeatedly in front of shocked family members and friends.
Woodhull, a mother of five, suffered 10 to 20 stab wounds to her upper body, according to reports. Despite the immediate efforts of family members who tackled and disarmed Castillo, her injuries proved fatal. The distressing scene saw Woodhull pleading for her life, saying, “Don’t let me die,” as witnesses worked desperately to save her. She was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived at the scene.
The investigation quickly pointed to a troubled marital relationship, with Woodhull’s mother discovering divorce papers in her daughter’s car posthumously. It appeared that Woodhull had been contemplating an exit from an increasingly dangerous relationship, a move her mother believes led to her murder. Woodhull’s mother said, “She knew it was time to walk away, and that’s why she’s dead.” During the sentencing, family members expressed their profound loss and anger towards Castillo, describing him as a “monster” and a “murderer.”
Castillo, previously convicted of multiple felonies, including assault with a hammer and assault on a prison guard, faced swift legal retribution. His history of violence and the severity of the attack influenced the court’s decision to hand down a significant prison sentence, ensuring that he must serve at least two-thirds of the 33-year term before eligibility for release.
Woodhull, remembered for her vibrant presence and dedication to helping others, was a respected employee. Her commitment to assisting those struggling with substance abuse and domestic violence underscored the poignant irony of her death. The community and her workplace mourned the loss of a woman described as having “so much light” and being a “force to be reckoned with.”
The murder has reignited discussions about domestic violence and the resources available to those caught in such dangerous relationships. Castillo’s lawyer attempted to attribute his client’s actions to drug-induced psychosis, a claim that did little to mitigate the outrage over the crime or the severity of the sentence.
As Castillo begins his long prison sentence, the case leaves a lasting impact on Woodhull’s family. It highlights the tragic outcomes of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing and acting on the signs of such abuse. The loss of Woodhull remains a painful reminder of what can happen when those signs are overlooked or underestimated.
