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Police Homicide Unit Says Castro Died by Suicide as Prosecutor Reviews New Evidence

Officials cite self‑inflicted wounds tied to judicial stress, with a disputed neck‑wound measurement keeping the case under intense scrutiny.

Overview

  • DIVINHOM delivered a detailed report to prosecutor Richard Rojas Gómez concluding José Miguel Castro took his own life and finding no evidence of third‑party involvement, relying on the IML forensic necropsy.
  • Investigators reported no signs of forced entry, external CCTV showed no unknown visitors, and bloodstain patterns matched movements by the victim; a green towel at the scene was explained as a first‑aid attempt advised by emergency services.
  • The necropsy recorded a 27 cm neck wound, contrasting with an initial 14 cm estimate by first responders, a discrepancy highlighted by media and commentators pressing for full visual documentation.
  • Correo reports the Public Ministry opened a homicide investigation and is assessing additional material, including toxicology tests, phone records, and a new witness account from a friend of the younger son who was at the home that night.
  • Contextual findings in the police file cite acute emotional crisis linked to the looming oral trial over alleged US$11 million in Odebrecht and OAS payments and the prospect of a roughly 25‑year sentence, while some political figures publicly reject the suicide conclusion.