Thursday, May 24, 2007

Suspect admits he abducted, assaulted girl, 7


By Vic Ryckaert and Jon Murray
vic.ryckaert@indystar.com
A 27-year-old man admitted today in court he abducted and assaulted a 7-year-old neighbor at a Southside apartment complex.
The victim underwent surgery after the attack and remained in Riley Hospital for Children this morning, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Sgt. Matthew Mount said.
Castillo admitted his guilt, despite the court commissioner's routine entry of a not guilty plea on Castillo's behalf during his initial hearing this morning in Marion Superior Court.
"I agree with what I did, and I know what I did," Jonathan Castillo said through a Spanish translator after Commissioner Steven Rubick read the five charges against him. "I was drunk, and I can't just fix things just because I'm drunk."
Rubick tried to cut him off.
"By confessing under oath, you've just made (the public defender's) job much more difficult," Rubick said.
Prosecutors asked Rubick for Castillo's $100,000 bond to be increased to $250,000, citing the risk to the community and a flight risk because Castillo is an undocumented immigrant. Castillo had told Rubick he is a dual citizen of Mexico and Honduras and works as a day laborer.
Rubick granted the request for higher bond, citing Castillo's "partial confession" as another factor. He is being held in Marion County Jail.
Castillo, police say, wore a mask, climbed through a third-story balcony and snatched the child from her bedroom at the Capital Place Apartments, located near Hanna Avenue and U.S. 31.
He took the victim to his apartment in the same complex and assaulted her, according to police reports.The Star does not generally identify the victims of sexual assault.
The girl’s family discovered her missing about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and began searching the apartment complex. Family members stepped outside and saw the suspect drop the girl on the ground and run toward another apartment, according to the report.
Another witness, identified as Castillo’s girlfriend, told police she saw the victim’s blood on Castillo’s leg and foot shortly after the assault, according to reports.
Police questioned Castillo and he allegedly admitted to attacking the girl, but reports did not elaborate on any reason for the attack. Police seized a bedspread, clothing, carpeting and other evidence from Castillo’s apartment.
Castillo was charged with burglary and child molesting, both Class A felonies that each carry a potential penalty of 20 to 50 years in prison. He also is charged with two counts of criminal confinement and one count of battery. Both charges are Class B felonies carrying a penalty of six to 20 years in prison upon conviction.
Rubick set Castillo's trial for July 30.
"This is one of those cases you just can't put into words, it's so egregious," said David Wyser, the Marion County prosecutor's chief trial deputy, outside court. "A defenseless 7-year-old girl abducted from her bed."

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