A horrifying incident unfolded in the San Francisco Bay Area earlier this month, leaving multiple families in shock and grief. A pregnant mother of four, Kirsten Castle, 37, was found strangled to death in her home, just weeks before she was due to give birth to her fifth child. The gruesome discovery was made by Castle’s 10-year-old daughter on the night of August 4.
Andrew Coleman, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Castle and her unborn child, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and jail records. The charges, which suggest premeditation, also include special circumstances allegations, as per the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
On the fateful night, Castle’s daughter, from a previous relationship, returned home to find her mother’s lifeless body in a family room. The child immediately dialed 911, as reported by The Mercury News. Castle was found partially undressed, adding to the horrific nature of the crime.
In the wake of this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by the father of Castle’s four surviving children. Darryl Harvey, in his fundraiser description, described Castle as a self-driven, focused woman, and a great mother. He expressed the family’s devastation and appealed for support for those left behind.
Paramedics who arrived at the scene confirmed the deaths of Castle, who was nearly nine months pregnant, and her unborn child. Coleman was quickly identified as the prime suspect, partly due to his absence from the residence at the time of the discovery.
Investigators believe Coleman, who is suspected to be the father of the unborn child, fled the scene after the murder. He allegedly stole Castle’s vehicle and a safe containing $37,000 cash from her residence. The stolen safe was reportedly found in the stolen car at the time of his arrest.
Using license plate readers, authorities in West Covina, a city in Los Angeles County, located and arrested Coleman on suspicion of murder. Law enforcement from San Mateo County then traveled to Southern California to interrogate Coleman, who was later charged with murder and transported back to Northern California.
Coleman, currently detained in the Maguire Correctional Facility without bail, faces a potential life sentence without parole if convicted. He appeared for an initial arraignment but did not enter a plea. His next hearing is scheduled for September 4.