Marine Corps recruiter, 24, broke into stranger's home and stabs 11-year-old girl at sleepover: 'As horrific as it gets'

A Marine Corps recruiter broke into a Michigan home and stabbed an 11-year-old girl who was at a sleepover in a shocking crime that a judge called 'as horrific as it gets.'

On Saturday around 3am, a homeowner called 911 and said that Ricardo Perez Castillo, 24, was in his daughter's room with her friend who had just been attacked by the intruder, according to an affidavit. 

The father initially found the knife-wielding maniac in the kitchen of his home in Plainfield Charter Township, about 28 minutes outside of Grand Rapids.

The quick-thinking dad held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived. 

Home surveillance footage showed the creep entering the home before taking off his shoes, pants and socks, the court documents said. 

Ricardo Perez Castillo, 24, was arrested on Saturday after he broke into a home in Michigan and stabbed an 11-year-old girl

The suspect later told detectives that he planned to 'break into the house and kill the entire family,' and have sex with the stab victim's 'dead body.' (pictured: The home he broke into) 

Castillo was then seen grabbing a knife from a kitchen drawer, dressed in only a t-shirt and underwear, before walking up the stairs to the girl's room. 

He later told detectives that he planned to 'break into the house and kill the entire family,' and have sex with the victim's 'dead body,' court documents said. 

'This case, it's as scary as it gets. It's as horrific as it gets, and it puts all of us in a fear zone like no other,' District Judge Sara J. Smolenski said during Castillo's arraignment on Monday. 

Prior to stabbing the young girl, authorities said that the Marine Corps recruiter broke into another home in the 100 block of Oak Street. 

The owner of that home found Castillo in his kitchen before telling him to get out. On his way out of the home, Castillo told the homeowner 'he should always be armed.' 

At the second house, Castillo allegedly told investigators that once he got upstairs, he tried to enter other bedrooms but they were locked. 

He then explained how he moved onto the master bedroom, where he saw the homeowners asleep in bed. Castillo decided to move on to look for an 'easier target,' he told police. 

He then stumbled upon the girl's room, where he took off his underwear, climbed on top of the 11-year-old, and started stabbing her. 

Both the girl and her friend woke up and started screaming, causing Castillo to stop. 

Once police arrived at the scene the homeowner was holding Castillo at gunpoint, while a bloody knife sat next to him. 

'This case, it's as scary as it gets. It's as horrific as it gets, and it puts all of us in a fear zone like no other,' District Judge Sara J. Smolenski said during Castillo's arraignment on Monday

The girl suffered multiple stab wounds which required surgery. Her current condition is unknown. 

'Boy, this is a helpless victim. A kid should be innocent. A kid shouldn't have to worry about stuff like this,' Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker said.

'But it does occur, and I can't say it never happened before, and it's clearly happened here now, and it probably won't be the last one either.' 

Castillo's heinous crimes are believed to be the result of a random attack, the Kent County Sheriff's Office said. 

'At this point, it appears to be initially random,' Kent County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Bryan Muir told  WZZM 13. 

'And again, that lengthy part of the investigation will go back more into the details behind how this happened and why it happened at this residence.' 

'But at this point, we don't have any connection to lead the subject that was responsible for the assault to this residence,' Muir added. 

Castillo was charged with one count of assault with intent to murder, one count of  first degree home invasion, one count of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involving penetration, and one count of carrying a weapon with unlawful intent. 

He also faces one count of illegal entry for the first home he broke into on Saturday morning, Becker's office said. Castillo could face 90 days in jail and, or, be fined $500 if he is convicted for that charge. 

For his other charges, he could face life in jail and more than $7,000 in fines.  

Smolenski, who was visibly disturbed by Castillo's actions and further confessions during the investigation, suggested that the suspect speak to his attorney about his 'big cases.' 

'That is how serious this court takes all of these charges, and we want to make sure you're monitored if there's any chance you're released from jail,' the judge added. 

Smolenski set Castillo's bond at $2million and ordered that he have no contact with any of the victims involved. He is expected back in court on June 26. 

Smolenski set Castillo's bond at $2million and ordered that he have no contact with any of the victims involved. He is expected back in court on June 26. (pictured: Castillo during his arraignment on Zoom) 

Officer Muir urged residents to practice safe nightly routines in their home even if they think they live in a secure area. 

'Lock your doors, lock your cars, just double check windows - make sure your home is as safe as possible,' he said. 

'This was a completely random act from what we believe right now, and these things don't happen very often, but they can. So we just ask for you to do everything on your part to keep yourself safe.'

The US Marine Corps recruiting station in Lansing confirmed that Castillo served as an infantryman and canvassing recruiter. 

During his service Castillo received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Award and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, WZZM 13 reported. 

'We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred. The Marine Corps is fully cooperating with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in this matter,' the US Marine Corps said in a statement. 

'The incident is currently under investigation by authorities, and it would be premature to speculate on the details of the investigation at this time.' 

'Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,' it added.