In a tragic case highlighting the perils of domestic violence, a Minnesota court has sentenced Robert Castillo to over 33 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Corinna Woodhull. The incident, which occurred on March 21, 2023, shocked the community and raised questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for repeat offenders.
Castillo, 41, admitted guilt to second-degree murder in March 2023, six months before his sentencing on September 13, 2024. The crime took place during a weekly Bible study session at his sister's residence in St. Paul, Minnesota's capital city. This grim event stands in stark contrast to the Bible's status as the world's most translated book, meant to bring comfort and guidance to millions.
The couple, married for approximately two years, had a blended family of five children, now aged 11 to 24. Their union, which began around 2021, was shorter than the U.S. average of eight years for marriages ending in divorce. Tragically, Woodhull's attempt to help Castillo ultimately led to her demise.
Prosecutor Dan Rait emphasized Castillo's history of violence, including a 2014 conviction for assaulting another woman with a hammer. At the time of the fatal stabbing, Castillo was under intensive supervised release, a program designed for high-risk offenders in Minnesota. He had also failed to appear at a court hearing related to charges of assaulting two correctional officers at Stillwater Prison in 2020.
Castillo's defense centered on claims of drug-induced memory loss, a phenomenon known as drug-induced psychosis. His attorney, Mark Austin, requested a reduced sentence of 25 years, citing Castillo's remorse. However, Judge Richard Kyle of the Ramsey County District Court, one of Minnesota's busiest courts, imposed a sentence of 33 1/3 years.
"I'm taking full responsibility for my actions, even if I don't recall anything that happened that day due to my ... drug-induced psychosis."
This case underscores the alarming statistics of domestic violence in the United States, where approximately one in four women experience severe intimate partner physical violence. It also highlights the challenges of rehabilitating violent offenders, with recidivism rates for such criminals reaching 63.8% within eight years of release.
Linda Castle, Woodhull's mother, revealed finding divorce papers in her daughter's car after the tragedy. "She knew it was time to walk away, and that's why she's dead," Castle stated, emphasizing the critical importance of recognizing and leaving abusive relationships.
Minnesota's "two-thirds rule" means Castillo will likely serve about 22 years in prison before being eligible for supervised release. As the community grapples with this tragedy, Castle's message resonates: "Women need to understand: Don't accept this kind of behavior. It's not OK."
This case serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle against domestic violence and the importance of supporting victims while holding perpetrators accountable.