Man stabbed wife to death during Bible study, 'she thought she could save him'

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WKRC) - A man admitted to stabbing his wife to death during a Bible study hosted by his sister.

Corinna Woodhull and 41-year-old Robert Castillo had been married for two years with five children when they attended Castillo's sister's Bible study on March 21, 2023. According to Castillo's sister, she hosted a weekly Bible study at her home, and the week of March 21 was no different.

AP reported that at some point during the night, Robert leaned close to Corinna and whispered something in her ear. Corinna then shook her head as if to say "no" and Castillo pulled out a concealed hunting knife and stabbed her multiple times until his own family took the weapon from him.

One of the other witnesses at the Bible study told an officer that they feared Castillo would begin attacking other people at the gathering if they did not disarm him.

According to Castillo's attorney, Mark Austin, the man doesn't remember anything from after the morning of March 21, when he apparently took so many drugs that he could not remember what happened after. Even so, Castillo has admitted his wrongdoing and accepted responsibility.

"I'm taking full responsibility for my actions, even if I don't recall anything that happened that day due to my... drug-induced psychosis," Castillo said.

Corinna's mother, Linda Castle, said her daughter was someone who loved to help people who would not or could not help themselves, including Castillo. Her family said they encouraged her not to marry him since he had eight prior felony convictions, including violent crimes.

"She thought she could save him," her mother said. "That her love would help them live a life together."

Further investigation uncovered divorce papers in Corinna's car, and her mother assumes that was the motive behind her murder.

"She knew it was time to walk away, and that's why she's dead," she said.

Robert Castillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison on Friday. Castillo will spend at least 22 of those 33 years in prison.