A man who forcefully entered a residence in Rockford, Illinois, and stabbed an 11-year-old girl while she was sleeping, knelt down and pleaded for forgiveness during his sentencing for the appalling act. Ricardo Perez Castillo, a recruiter for the US Marine Corps, broke into a home on Ella Terrace Court on June 15, 2024. After entering the house, he armed himself with a knife and then proceeded to undress, removing his pants and underwear. Subsequently, the 25-year-old ascended the stairs and entered the room where two children were sleeping.
Castillo then climbed on top of one of the girls and viciously stabbed her multiple times in what the victim described as a terrifying ordeal. Following the sentencing for his crimes, he directly asked for forgiveness, stating that he had “found God.” Castillo entered a no contest plea to charges including assault with intent to murder, first-degree home invasion, and second-degree assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, according to the Kent County Prosecutor’s office. Judge Christina Mims sentenced him to 40 years in prison, likening the crime to a scene from a horror movie.
According to Kent County chief assistant prosecutor Elizabeth Bartlett, Castillo initially believed he was attacking the girl’s neck. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was sleeping on an air mattress when Castillo assaulted her. Bartlett explained that Castillo aimed to kill the girl by stabbing her in the neck, and he also expressed intentions to harm the entire family.
During police interviews, Castillo indicated that after the girl was deceased, he planned to engage in sexual acts with her. In a court statement, the young girl recounted the pain and fear she experienced during the attack, emphasizing the unexpected turn of events during what was supposed to be an innocent sleepover.
Subsequent to his sentencing, Castillo implored for forgiveness, acknowledging the suffering he had caused and expressing remorse for his actions. He attributed his newfound understanding to his faith and asked for forgiveness from the victim, her family, and the community of Rockford.