A man who violently attacked an 11-year-old girl in her home and asked for forgiveness during his sentencing has been sentenced for his crimes. Ricardo Perez Castillo, a recruiter for the US Marine Corps, unlawfully entered a residence in Rockford, Illinois, and armed himself with a knife on June 15, 2024. After removing his clothing, Castillo went upstairs and entered the room of two sleeping children.
He proceeded to assault one of the girls by repeatedly stabbing her, causing great fear to the victim. Castillo, now facing sentencing, directly sought forgiveness from the victim, claiming to have had a religious awakening. He pleaded no contest to charges of assault with intent to murder, first-degree home invasion, and second-degree assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct as confirmed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s office. Judge Christina Mims sentenced Castillo to 40 years in prison, likening the crime to scenes from a horror film.
According to Kent County chief assistant prosecutor Elizabeth Bartlett, Castillo mistakenly believed he was targeting the girl’s neck during the attack. The victim was sleeping on an air mattress when Castillo climbed on top of her and proceeded to stab her shoulder and arm. The victim’s screams alerted her friend and father, who intervened.
In his statements to the police, Castillo expressed his intent to kill the 11-year-old by stabbing her neck and threatening the entire family. He admitted to removing his clothing with the intention of sexually assaulting the girl after her death. The victim, in a statement to the court, recalled the pain and fear she experienced during the attack, expressing disbelief that a simple sleepover led to such severe injuries.
Following his sentencing, Castillo humbly asked for forgiveness, acknowledging the pain and suffering he caused. He expressed remorse for his actions, attributing his transformation to finding faith and seeking forgiveness from the victim, both families, and the Rockford community.