Minnesota Man Who Allegedly Stabbed Wife To Death During Bible Study Charged With Murder

A man named Robert Castillo from St. Paul, Minnesota has been charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed his wife, Corinna Woodhull, to death during a bible study group. The incident took place on Tuesday at his sister's house on Maryland Avenue, where the couple was attending the study group in the presence of family members.

According to CBS Minnesota, Castillo whispered something in his wife's ear before stabbing her up to 20 times with a six-inch blade. Witnesses reported that Woodhull pleaded with them to save her life after the attack. She was a mother of five.

According to the Pioneer Press, prior to the stabbing, Castillo's behavior with his wife appeared normal, as he was seen holding her hand and kissing her. However, during the bible study group at his sister's residence on Maryland Avenue, Castillo allegedly used a hunting knife to stab Woodhull up to 20 times, causing her to suffer severe injuries.

Castillo's sister and brother, who remain unnamed, witnessed the attack and reported that Woodhull attempted to defend herself by grabbing his hair. Family members had to intervene to stop the attack and pull Castillo away from her. Unfortunately, one of the stab wounds had pierced Woodhull's heart, and by the time paramedics arrived at around 9 pm, she was struggling to breathe.

When authorities arrived at the scene, several family members were holding Castillo down on the ground. A witness informed the police that they believed he would have attacked more people if he had not been disarmed. The Pioneer Press reported that Castillo's sister informed the authorities that he carried the knife with him at all times for self-protection.

Woodhull sustained severe wounds to her torso, chest, and arms, and was found lying on the ground. She was quickly transported to Regions Hospital, but sadly, the mother of five was declared dead upon arrival. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office has classified her death as a homicide.

According to CBS Minnesota, Castillo's brother informed investigators that the couple had been experiencing problems in their marriage. During a brief conversation with investigators, Castillo stated that he and Woodhull were no longer residing together but were legally married for two years.

When investigators told Castillo that Woodhull had passed away, he appeared shocked and asked if she would be alright.
Erin Honken, who had been friends with Woodhull for over a decade, revealed that Woodhull had been attempting to end her relationship with Castillo, but he was persistent in wanting to reconcile.

Castillo was apprehended and transferred to Ramsey County Jail, where he was detained on a $5 million bond. At the moment of the stabbing, Castillo was wanted by the authorities for failing to attend a pretrial hearing. He had been charged with assaulting a correctional officer while in custody at Washington County.

Castillo has a lengthy criminal record, with eight felony charges, including assault, burglary, and firearm possession. He was previously found guilty of assaulting his former partner with a hammer at his sister's residence, resulting in a ten-year prison sentence.

Corinna Woodhull was an employee at Juel Fairbanks Recovery Services, where she worked to aid those struggling with substance abuse. On Wednesday, the facility honored her memory and expressed its sadness regarding her tragic death. They stated that Woodhull was a beacon of positivity and light, who spread kindness to both clients and staff on a daily basis. 

Woodhull was described as being resilient and possessing a compassionate heart, always eager to assist those in need. She will be remembered fondly by her colleagues and clients, and her legacy at Juel Fairbanks will not be forgotten. The facility asked for prayers and support for Woodhull's family, as well as for their clients and staff during this difficult time.

A family friend has started a GoFundMe to 'raise money to help honor Corrina's life and legacy.'