Restraining Order Violation Leads to Deadly Rampage
A jury in Colorado has found Joseph Mario Castorena, 22, guilty of murdering four people at his ex-girlfriend’s home near Denver in October 2022. The crime occurred just a week after the victim, Jessica Serrano, obtained a restraining order against him.
Four Lives Lost
Castorena was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder with deliberation. The victims included three of Serrano’s relatives and a man who rented an RV parked on the property. He also faces an attempted murder charge.
Prior Domestic Abuse and Out-of-State Children
Prosecutors allege Castorena and Serrano, who were unharmed in the shooting, have two children together. Thankfully, the children were out of state with family at the time of the tragedy.
Calculated Attack and Desperate Escape
Authorities believe Castorena broke into the home and waited with a firearm for the family’s return. When Serrano arrived home around 2 am, she discovered Castorena’s keys and immediately contacted police. Tragically, shots were fired during her call to dispatchers.
Restraining Order Ignored, Legal Action Pending
A week prior to the murders, Serrano filed a protective order against Castorena, citing threats and physical intimidation with a gun. He reportedly held her captive in his car and refused to let her go home.
Castorena fled to Mexico after the shooting but was eventually arrested and extradited back to Colorado. He now faces a mandatory life sentence for each murder conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3rd.
