California Man Arrested After Twice Attempting to Confess to Murders

A California man has been arrested and charged with two murders after reportedly confessing to the crimes on two separate occasions, officials said. Marcelino Castro, 28, is accused of killing one acquaintance on September 13 and a stranger a few days later.

According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, Castro first attempted to turn himself in at the Main County Jail in San Jose but was not believed by deputies there. He then proceeded to the San Jose Police Headquarters, where he again confessed to the killings.

Authorities allege Castro lured both victims by offering to share methamphetamine. The first victim, a friend of Castro's, was reportedly strangled and had his throat slit. The second victim, a stranger, was allegedly strangled and struck with a rock.

Castro allegedly led investigators to the Guadalupe River bed, where the bodies of both victims were discovered. This area is known to be frequented by individuals experiencing homelessness.

Deputy District Attorney Michael Gadeberg described the case as unusual, stating, "I've never seen a case like this, where there's just no apparent motive. Where someone just has this compulsion to kill, starts with a friend or someone they knew, and then moves on to a total stranger."

Shaunn Cartwright from the Unhoused Response Group told KTVU that a third recent death in the same vicinity and occurring on the same day Castro turned himself in might potentially be connected to the suspect.

Castro missed his initial arraignment on Wednesday but appointed a lawyer and appeared in court on Thursday. He made no statements during the rescheduled hearing. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims.

Castro is being held without bail pending his next court appearance on December 8. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.