Santa Maria Police Arrest Man in Halloween Stabbing

Case #: SMPD24-0014812
At approximately 8:35 AM on October 31, 2024, Santa Maria Police responded to a reported stabbing in the 200 block of E. Main Street. Officers located a 65-year-old male victim suffering from serious stab wound injuries. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Through extensive follow-up, detectives identified Frank Castillo, 43, of Santa Maria, as the suspect. Castillo was seen fleeing the scene shortly after the assault and is known to the victim.

Frank Castillo, 43, of Santa Maria (mugshot)

At around 1:30 PM, detectives located Castillo at his residence in the 200 block of N. Depot Street, where he was taken into custody. A search warrant was executed at the residence. Castillo was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of attempted murder and elder abuse, with bail set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Swenson with the Violent Crimes Unit at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1648.