Marine recruiter accused of breaking into home, stabbing 11-year-old girl

A 24-year-old Marine recruiter has appeared in court on charges of breaking into a Michigan home, stabbing an 11-year-old girl and saying he planned to “kill everyone inside.”

Cpl. Ricardo Perez Castillo waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday, which moves his case on charges of assault with intent to murder, first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to commit a sexual offense and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent to the Kent County, Michigan, 17th District Court for a potential trial.

Prosecutors say, based on witness statements and a police investigation, Castillo entered a home in the River Bluffs community of Rockford, Michigan, around 3 a.m. on June 15, stripped down to his underwear and shirt, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the man. FOX 17 West Michigan reported it was an 11-year-old girl who was a friend of a girl who lived at the residence.

Castillo stopped stabbing the girl when she and her friend began screaming. The homeowner held him at gunpoint until police arrived. She suffered wounds to her left arm and shoulder and was treated at a local hospital.

Kent County sheriff’s deputies found Castillo in the girl’s bedroom with a bloody knife next to him, according to court records obtained by both the local ABC affiliate Channel 13 and Wood TV Channel 8.

“The video shows Ricardo (Castillo) enter the (River Bluffs) residence and remove his shoes, socks and pants,” according to the arrest report, reported local ABC affiliate Channel 13. “Ricardo (Castillo), dressed only in his underwear and a T-shirt, grabbed a knife from a kitchen drawer and went upstairs.

According to the report, Castillo’s intention was to break into the house and kill the entire family.

“Ricardo (Castillo) stated that he tried to open the doors to the first few bedrooms, but they were locked,” the report reads. “Ricardo then opened the door to the master bedroom and found (the homeowner) and his wife asleep.”

The report says he decided to look for an “easier target.”

“Ricardo (Castillo) then entered the room where (the girl) was sleeping,” the deputy wrote. “Ricardo stated to detectives that he planned to kill (her) and have sex with her… body.”

But that house wasn’t his first stop that night.

About an hour before Castillo allegedly entered the home in River Bluffs, Michigan, a nearby homeowner was cleaning up the house after a party and went to the back of the house to bring some items inside from his deck when he saw a stranger at the kitchen sink.

He asked the man, whom police later identified as Castillo, who he was, what he was doing in his house and whether he should leave.

The man said Castillo walked to the door but stopped and said, “I don’t even (expletive) know what’s going on (expletive), but just in case, be careful. Make sure you’re armed. At that point, I slammed the door and called the police,” Channel 8 Wood TV reported.

Castillo was arrested on felony charges and is being held in the Kent County Jail in Michigan on $2 million bail.

“This case is as scary as it gets, it’s as scary as it gets, and it puts all of us in a fear zone like no other,” U.S. District Judge Sara J. Smolenski said during the hearing.

Castillo, a native of Waterford, Michigan, which is more than two hours away, has served as a recruiter at the Marine Corps Recruiting Office in Lansing since October 2023.

He has a basic military occupational specialty in infantry and previously served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Marine spokesman Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Yarbrough said in an emailed response Thursday to Marine Corps Times.

Police told local media that Castillo had been drinking alcohol earlier in the evening and was seen in downtown Rockford, Michigan, more than a mile from his home.

Navy officials were not aware of any disciplinary actions taken against the corporal, and Michigan police found no prior convictions for Castillo in the state, according to local media.

The Marine Corps withheld comment on the matter and issued a statement to the media.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that took place. The case is currently pending in a Michigan state court and it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case at this time. Our heartfelt sympathies go to the victim’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”

Police told local media that the incident currently appears to be “completely random” and they have found no connection between Castillo and the occupants of the residence.