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‘Armed And Dangerous’ Colorado Man Wanted For Quadruple Slaying
“We have to assume he is armed,” interim Police Chief Daniel Oates said of 21-year-old wanted fugitive Joseph Casterona, who is accused of killing four.
Authorities are searching for a Colorado man who is accused of killing four people over the weekend.
Joseph Mario Castorena, 21, is wanted for a quadruple homicide that unfolded at an Aurora home early Sunday morning. Police say that they believe Casterona, who has a “history of domestic violence,” is armed and dangerous.
On Oct. 30, at around 2 a.m., dispatchers received reports of suspicious activity at a property in the 900 block of North Geneva Street in Aurora.
“During the call, the call-taker actually heard shots being fired,” interim Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates said during a press conference on Oct. 30. “She upgraded the call to an urgent response. We were dispatched and arrived within three minutes.”
Upon arrival, police found four deceased individuals, including three men and one woman. Three victims were found inside the residence and a fourth victim was found outdoors, near the side of the home. Their names haven’t yet been released.
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An unharmed woman and two children were also located at the property. The unharmed woman, who was identified as the 911 caller, is Casterona’s domestic partner, Aurora Police said. Officials haven’t released how all four victims died.
Authorities were unable to immediately locate Casterona after canvassing the neighborhood by foot in the early morning hours on Sunday.
In the immediate aftermath of the four killings, officials issued a “reverse 911 call” to homeowners within a 1-mile radius of the crime scene, warning residents to shelter in place. The advisory was later lifted.
“We have to assume he is armed,” Oates added. “And we are very concerned and want to do everything we can to find him and take him into custody as soon as possible.”
At sunrise, investigators deployed drones to aid search efforts. Casterona’s home was also searched but law enforcement found no signs of him. His car was later located and towed, law enforcement said. Police said a search warrant for the vehicle was pending.
As of Monday morning, Casterona remained uncaptured.
According to investigators, Casterona has a “history of domestic violence.” A restraining order was issued against Casterona days prior to the incident, barring him from having any contact with his partner or going near the home where the murders took place.
“I don’t have all the details,” Oates said. “I’d rather not go into that. But this was an accumulation of events here that led to this... I do know there was a restraining order that prohibited him from going near his domestic partner or that residence and he obviously violated both."
During Sunday’s press conference, reporters also pressed the interim police on whether the incident was fueled by an alleged custody dispute Casterona had with his unnamed domestic partner, citing family members' speculation.
“The children of the suspect and his domestic partner are not even in state,” Oates said. “They are elsewhere with family and safe.”
Castorena is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall and having a slim build. He has a “very distinctive” lion tattoo on the left side of his neck, according to police. Officials are now asking the public to come forward with any tips regarding Casterona’s whereabouts.
Oxygen.com has reached out to the Aurora Police Department for comment.
Tips can be submitted by calling 911.
