CHURCHVILLE, PA – Community members in Churchville are mourning the loss of three family members in what authorities describe as a violent and tragic attack, with investigators focused on the lives of the victims: Fred Castiglia, 90, his wife Judith Castiglia, 84, and their daughter, Deborah Castiglia, 53.
Deborah Castiglia was the first to be missed, after her boyfriend grew concerned when she failed to return his calls and messages over the weekend. After searching Deborah’s home and finding it empty, he traveled to her parents’ house on Heather Road. There, he spotted her car in the driveway, but the house was quiet and all the lights off. Despite repeated knocks, no one answered, leading him to leave but to return again the next day.
This persistent concern proved tragically warranted. On his return to the Castiglias’ residence Monday afternoon, the boyfriend again knocked. This time, he was greeted by Deborah’s brother, Kevin Castiglia, 55, wearing a robe and appearing disheveled. Kevin allegedly told Deborah’s boyfriend that she was not there and had “gone on vacation,” yet also threatened him with a large knife, warning him to never return.
Alarmed by the encounter, the boyfriend quickly contacted emergency services. Police responding to the wellness check report that Kevin Castiglia met them at the door, now armed with two knives, one of which appeared to be stained with blood. Officers attempted to question him about his family’s whereabouts, but Castiglia remained evasive, and at one point allegedly brandished a knife in their direction.
Attempts to subdue Castiglia with a stun gun proved ineffective, authorities said. He retreated back into the home and barricaded himself inside, leading to a tense five-hour standoff. Law enforcement ultimately made entry into the house.
Inside, the grisly reality emerged. Officers found Fred and Judith Castiglia in their master bedroom, both victims of an apparent stabbing. Deborah was discovered in the kitchen. Investigators believe she was killed after coming upon the scene involving her parents.
Neighbors and family friends have described the Castiglias as quiet, caring, and close-knit. Deborah, according to those who knew her, often stopped by her parents’ house and made a point of looking after them as they aged. She and her boyfriend were said to be a constant presence in each other’s lives, which made her sudden disappearance all the more distressing for those close to her.
Kevin Castiglia was found upstairs and taken into custody without further violence. During his hospital treatment, he allegedly admitted to medical staff that he had “hurt someone.” According to court documents, he later confessed to killing his parents in their sleep and then attacking his sister.
Prosecutors have charged Kevin Castiglia with three counts each of criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and reckless endangerment. He remains in the Bucks County jail without bail as the investigation continues. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12.
Authorities have yet to provide any information about what might have sparked the violence, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Fred, Judith, and Deborah and supporting those affected by the tragedy.