Marine Corps recruiter, 24, broke into stranger’s home and stabs 11-year-old girl at sleepover: ‘As horrific as it gets’

A Marine Corps recruiter broke into a Michigan home and stabbed an 11-year-old girl who was at a sleepover in a shocking crime that a judge called “as heinous as it gets.”

Around 3 a.m. Saturday, a homeowner called 911 and said Ricardo Perez Castillo, 24, was in his daughter’s room with her friend who had just been attacked by the intruder, according to an affidavit.

The father initially found the knife-wielding maniac in the kitchen of his home in Plainfield Charter Township, about 28 minutes outside of Grand Rapids.

The quick-thinking father held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

CCTV footage from the home showed the creep entering the house before taking off his shoes, pants and socks, according to court documents.

Castillo was then seen grabbing a knife from a kitchen drawer, wearing only a T-shirt and underwear, before walking up the stairs to the girl’s room.

He later told detectives he planned to “break into the house and kill the entire family” and have sex with the “victim’s corpse,” according to court documents.

“This case is as scary as it gets. It is as horrific as it gets, and it puts all of us in a fear zone like no other,” District Judge Sara J. Smolenski said Monday during Castillo’s arraignment.

Before the young girl was stabbed, authorities said the Marine Corps recruiter broke into another home in the 100 block of Oak Street.

The owner of that home found Castillo in his kitchen before telling him to leave. As he left the house, Castillo told the homeowner “to always be armed.”

At the second home, Castillo allegedly told investigators that once he got upstairs, he tried to enter other bedrooms, but they were locked.

He then explained how he went to the master bedroom, where he saw the homeowners sleeping in bed. Castillo decided to move on in search of an “easier target,” he told police.

He then stumbled upon the girl’s room, where he took off his underwear, climbed on top of the 11-year-old and began stabbing her.

Both the girl and her friend woke up and started screaming, causing Castillo to stop.

When police arrived on the scene, the homeowner held Castillo at gunpoint with a bloody knife sitting next to him.

The girl suffered multiple stab wounds, which required surgery. Her current condition is unknown.

“Boy, this is a helpless victim. A child must be innocent. A child shouldn’t have to worry about things like this,” said Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker.

“But it does happen, and I can’t say it hasn’t happened before, and it’s clearly happened here now, and it probably won’t be the last.”

Castillo’s heinous crimes are believed to be the result of a random attack, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

“At this point it seems random at first,” Kent County Sheriff’s Undersheriff Bryan Muir said WZZM 13.

“And again, that long portion of the investigation will delve into the details behind how this happened and why it happened in this home.”

“But at this time we have no connection whatsoever that would lead to the suspect responsible for the attack on this home,” Muir added.

Castillo was charged with one count of assault with intent to commit murder, one count of first-degree home invasion, one count of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involving penetration, and one count of carrying a weapon with unlawful intentions.

He also faces one count of illegal entry into the first home he broke into Saturday morning, Becker’s office said. Castillo could face 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine if convicted of that charge.

On his other charges, he faces up to life in prison and a fine of more than $7,000.

Smolenski, who was visibly disturbed by Castillo’s actions and further admissions during the investigation, suggested that the suspect talk to his lawyer about his “big cases.”

“That’s how seriously this court takes all of these charges, and we want to make sure you are monitored if there is any chance of you being released from prison,” the judge added.

Smolenski set Castillo’s bond at $2 million and ordered that he have no contact with the victims involved. He is expected back in court on June 26.

Officer Muir urged residents to practice safe nighttime routines in their homes, even if they think they live in a safe area.

“Lock your doors, lock your cars, just check the windows – make sure your house is as safe as possible,” he said.

“This was a completely random act, compared to what we now believe, and these things don’t happen very often, but they can happen. Therefore, we just ask that you do everything on your part to keep yourselves safe.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Lansing confirmed that Castillo served as an infantryman and recruiter.

During his service, Castillo received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Award and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, WZZM 13 reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that has occurred. The Marine Corps is cooperating fully with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in this matter,” the U.S. Marine Corps said in a statement.

“The incident is currently under investigation by authorities, and it would be premature to speculate on the details of the investigation at this time.”

“Our thoughts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” it added.