Trial ordered for Marine accused of stabbing girl during home invasion

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Marine will stand trial on a handful of criminal charges stemming from an alleged failed plot to kill a family during a home invasion.

Ricardo Perez Castillo will remain incarcerated in the Kent County Jail on $2 million cash bail, despite arguments made in court by his defense attorney.

Castillo, 24, appeared Wednesday, June 26, before Grand Rapids District Judge Sara Smolenski for a probable cause hearing. He is charged with attempted murder, first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent.

RELATED: Man accused of stabbing 11-year-old girl planned to kill entire family, records show

All four counts relate to what prosecutors called a “savage and inexplicable act.”

Kent County Sheriff's deputies were called around 3 a.m. June 15 to a home on Ella Terrace Court NE in Rockford for a report of a person in the home. The homeowner told police he held Castillo at gunpoint until deputies arrived.

Castillo first entered the residence, stripped down to his underwear and T-shirt, and grabbed a knife from the kitchen, police said in an affidavit. He went upstairs and found a husband and wife sleeping in a bedroom.

Castillo left and “went looking for an easier target,” according to the affidavit. That led Castillo to a room where the homeowner’s daughter and her friend were sleeping. Castillo removed his underwear and began stabbing an 11-year-old girl while he was on top of her.

The girl's screams woke the homeowner, who called 911 and held Castillo at gunpoint until police arrived. The girl, who was visiting the family, was stabbed multiple times in the arm and shoulder, requiring surgery. However, the girl is now OK, police told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday.

Castillo told police he did not know the family or the girl he attacked, but that he planned to kill the entire family, according to the affidavit.

In court Wednesday, Castillo waived his preliminary examination hearing scheduled for next week. He was bound over to Kent County Circuit Court on all charges. His defense attorney argued for a lower bond and noted that Castillo — until this alleged incident — had no criminal history.

Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Gerard Faber said the $2 million bond accurately represents “a savage and inexplicable act.”

The judge denied a bail modification, calling the case “one that brings us all to our knees.”

Castillo was employed as a recruiter in the Kent County area for the United States Marine Corps, the military service branch confirmed. His rank was corporal and Castillo received medals and ribbons for his service. Castillo's years of service are still unclear.

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