Man found with ‘Psycho’-style knife allegedly killed sister, elderly parents

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. (TCN) -- A man has been charged with homicide after three of his family members were found dead inside a home following a police standoff. 

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 26 that 55-year-old Kevin Carl Castiglia was arraigned on three counts of criminal homicide for the “brutal slaying” of his parents and sister.

Philly Burbs reports Castiglia was initially arrested and charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, possession of an instrument, and reckless endangering, but police later upgraded the charges.

On Jan. 26, the boyfriend of Deborah Castiglia, 53, called police to request a wellness check because he had not heard from her and was concerned, NBC Philadelphia reports. He reportedly went to her home the day before, but her car was not there. He then went to the home of her parents, Judith Castiglia, 84, and Fred Castiglia, 90. He reportedly saw his girlfriend’s car in the driveway, but no one answered when he knocked on the door.

The man reportedly returned the next afternoon and was met at the door by Kevin Castiglia, dressed in a bathrobe. He told the boyfriend Deborah Castiglia was likely on vacation and then allegedly threatened to kill him if he returned. NBC reports Kevin Castiglia was allegedly holding a large chef’s knife, like the one seen in the film “Psycho.” The man then reportedly called 911 to request a wellness check. 

When officers responded, Castiglia allegedly opened the door while holding two knives and one had blood on it, NBC reports. He allegedly spoke incoherently when asked about his family members and showed little reaction when shot with a stun gun. He allegedly pulled the probes out of his body himself and then slammed and locked the front door, NBC reports. 

A tactical team arrived and found Castiglia’s parents and sister dead from stab wounds. His parents were reportedly in the basement and his sister was in the kitchen. Castiglia then barricaded himself in a second-story bedroom in a standoff that lasted about five hours, according to NBC.

The district attorney’s office said a criminal complaint alleges Castiglia made a full confession to detectives after he was treated at a local hospital. NBC reports he allegedly told hospital staff he killed his parents in their sleep and then killed his sister when she found their bodies.

Crime Online reports Fred and Judith Castiglia were longtime members of their community and property records show that they had lived in the home since 1970. 

WTXF reports Deborah Castiglia had worked as a math teacher in the local school district since 1999.

Castiglia was denied bail and remains in custody, with his preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 12. 

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