A Bullet To The Heart

Summary

Cold Case Files: "A Bullet To The Heart"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "A Bullet To The Heart," Paula Barros delves into one of America's most challenging unsolved murders—the tragic case of Rodney Castelin. Released on January 7, 2025, this episode not only recounts the harrowing events of December 7, 2000, in Kennesaw, Georgia, but also highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators. Through firsthand accounts, investigative insights, and emotional narratives, Barros paints a comprehensive picture of a crime that remained unsolved for years until breakthroughs in forensic technology and unwavering determination led to its resolution.

---

The Final Moments: December 7, 2000

The episode opens on a calm Thursday night at the Wingate Inn, just three weeks before Christmas. Rodney Castelin, the hotel manager, was overseeing operations in the back office while his colleague, Carlos Torres, managed the front desk.

At [03:07], Jessica Knoll, a reporter and cold case investigator, sets the stage:

"It's December 7, 2000, in Kennesaw, Georgia, a slow Thursday night at the Wingate Inn just three weeks before Christmas."

Two men burst into the lobby, initiating what would be a tragic series of events. One assailant brandishes a pistol, demanding money—a robbery swiftly escalating into a heartbreaking murder.

At [03:38], Knoll narrates the sequence:

"Rodney tells him there is no safe. And so he takes his .22 caliber handgun and shoots Rodney in the chest."

Despite Carlos's frantic attempt to call 911, fear and confusion hinder his efforts, leading him to seek help at a nearby bowling alley. Rodney was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital shortly after the shooting.

---

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

Detective John Dawes, a forensic investigator for the Cobb County Medical Examiner, recounts the initial investigation [04:16]:

"There were some blood, and there were some papers thrown about on the floor. Hotel documents that had been inside the cash drawer. The scene was telling us we were looking at one shot being fired."

The crime scene provided minimal clues: a small caliber gunshot wound and a palm print at the registration counter. Identifying the perpetrator proved challenging, especially without security camera footage.

---

Personal Lives Shattered

The episode sensitively portrays the personal toll of Rodney's murder on his loved ones. Gwen Castelin, Rodney's mother, expresses her grief [05:10]:

"Rodney was born October 23, 1964. He always liked to keep everybody laughing."

Kelly Castelin Gakutan, Rodney's wife, shares her heartbreaking loss and the promise she made to see her husband's case solved [05:57]:

"I was pregnant. Rodney decided that he wanted to start a car wash and so he went back to school into business management. And he was working at night. We were just settling into what we felt was a new life for us and we were happy."

Upon hearing the devastating news, Kelly recalls the moment Detective Dawes broke the tragic update [07:46]:

"The look in her eyes is something that I won't forget. All the things that she had talked about with her husband that they wanted to do just ended. And you can see it in her face."

---

The Elusive Suspect and Stalled Investigation

With over 100,000 cold cases in America and only about 1% ever solved, Rodney's case epitomized the daunting challenges faced by law enforcement. Initial leads, including a palm print and eyewitness testimonies, failed to yield actionable information. The absence of clear suspects left detectives, like Dawes, feeling both determined and desperate.

At [16:34], Dawes reflects on the frustrations:

"When you don't have the answers, it's very frustrating. I made Kelly a promise that Rodney's case would be solved."

Despite exhaustive efforts, including door-to-door inquiries and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, the case remained stagnant by September 2002, leading to its classification as a cold case [17:12].

---

A Decade of Determination: Renewed Efforts

Nearly a decade later, in 2012, Detective Dawes revisits Rodney's case with renewed vigor [22:22]:

"I went to my direct supervisor and I said, look, can I pull out some cold cases and start working on them?"

Advancements in forensic technology, particularly the expansion of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), rekindled hope. In June 2012, a breakthrough occurred when a previously unmatchable palm print was linked to James Lorenzo Randolph [26:37]:

"We had a match. And the guy's James Lorenzo Randolph."

Randolph, a known felon with a history of armed robbery, became a primary suspect. However, the connection between Randolph and the informant in Florida remained unclear, complicating the investigation.

---

Convincing the Informant and Building the Case

Understanding the crucial role of the informant, Detective Dawes strategized to elicit a truthful statement. By June 2014, under the new administration of District Attorney Vic Reynolds, a specialized cold case unit was formed, reinvigorating the investigation [33:44].

Dawes negotiated with the informant, offering immunity in exchange for cooperation. This pivotal meeting yielded crucial information detailing Randolph's involvement:

"He saw Randolph holding the pistol. He saw him hit Carlos Torres with it. He saw him get the bag with money. He saw Rodney come out. He saw the gun being pointed, and then he saw the muzzle flash and knew that James Lorenzo Randolph had just shot Rodney Castelin."

Armed with this testimony, law enforcement apprehended Randolph on [37:42]:

"The sergeant from the Cobb County Police Department called Kelly. He said, Kelly, I want you to know that we just arrested the guy who shot Rodney Castelin."

---

Trial and Justice Served

In March 2016, the trial of James Lorenzo Randolph commenced, marking fifteen years since Rodney's untimely death. The courtroom was a setting of emotional testimonies and unwavering resolve for truth. Randolph was found guilty on all counts, receiving three life sentences plus 35 years [39:32]:

"With Rodney's family looking on, the jury finds James Lorenzo Randolph guilty on all counts."

Rodney's son, Kyle, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, reflecting on the profound loss and enduring legacy of his father:

"I miss the most hearing him tell me that he loves me."

---

Conclusion: A Legacy of Perseverance

Rodney Castelin's case serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and the profound impact of dedicated individuals in solving cold cases. Detective Dawes's unwavering commitment, combined with advancements in forensic technology, ultimately led to the resolution of a case that once seemed insurmountable.

In reflecting on Rodney's character, Kelly Castelin Gakutan shares:

"Rodney was an old soul. He would always say things like, just keep on living. We're going to have our good and bad days. But we don't have to be stuck in the bad days."

Rodney's story is not just one of tragedy but also of hope, illustrating that with determination and the right tools, even the most elusive cases can find closure.

---

Notable Quotes

• Kennedy Castelin (Vinyl Quote at [08:50]):

  "I don't think it's very often that a detective will make a promise to a victim's family that they will solve a case because it's hard to keep."

• Detective John Dawes ([16:34]):

  "When you don't have the answers, it's very frustrating. I made Kelly a promise that Rodney's case would be solved."

• James Lorenzo Randolph's Statement ([35:23]):

  "One of the first things he said is, I won't tell you about the other guy."

• Kyle Castelin ([39:32]):

  "I miss the most hearing him tell me that he loves me."

---

Final Thoughts

"A Bullet To The Heart" is a compelling exploration of a cold case that underscores the complexities of criminal investigations and the human stories intertwined within. Paula Barros masterfully navigates through timelines, emotional testimonies, and procedural hurdles to deliver a narrative that is as informative as it is moving. For listeners seeking a deep dive into the world of unsolved mysteries and their eventual resolutions, this episode stands out as a poignant example of perseverance and justice.

Transcript

[A]

If you have a locked AT&T phone, we're here with bolt cutters. T Mobile will help pay off your locked phone and give you a new 5G phone for free. All on America's largest 5G network. Visit t mobile.com carrierfreedom via virtual prepaid MasterCard in 15 days. Free phone up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits plus tax and a $10 device connection charge.

[B]

Qualifying port and trade in service on.

[A]

Go 5G next and credit required.

[B]

Contact us before canceling entire account to continue bill credits or credit stop and balance on required finance agreements. Do you have bill credits and if.

[A]

You pay off devices early.

[B]

Walmart it's Walmart plus free delivery which saves members time plus money yep plus an included Paramount plus subscription to stream movies, shows, sports and that can't miss documentary plus Burger King savings that's right. Members get 25% off Burger King digital orders every day of the week. Walmart+ it's Walmart+ become a member at walmartplus.com $35 order minimum Paramount+ essential plan only separate registration required. Valid and participating USPKS in the bk app or bk.com for members only 25%.

[A]

Off one time per calendar day.

[B]

Terms apply. See Walmart plus terms and cond. I knew it had to be something bad. I knew Rodney was in trouble, but I did not know that he had already been pronounced dead.

[A]

December of 2000. I made Kelly Castlen a promise that Rodney's case would one day be solved.

[B]

I lost my first husband. I lost the father of my children.

[A]

We know that there was an armed robbery. You may be talking about 6, 8, 9 pounds of pressure changing armed robbery to the ultimate crime of murder. But this was a complete whodunit.

[B]

Someday I would find out. Someday I would know. And I just held on to that. There are over 100,000 cold cases in America. Only about 1% are ever solved. This is one of those rare stories. My husband, Rodney, had an old soul. There was something about him where it seemed like he had been around for years. He just had a wisdom about him that was very special. Rodney was going to school during the day and he was working at night. And one night I called Rodney and we talked on the phone about our day. And then we ended our call, as we usually do with I love you. And that was the last time I talked to him. It's December 7, 2000, in Kennesaw, Georgia, a slow Thursday night at the Wingate Inn just three weeks before Christmas. Rodney Caslen, the hotel manager Is in the back office crunching numbers. Carlos torres mans the front desk. John dawes is a forensic investigator for the cobb county medical examiner.

[A]

Two men came quickly into the front lobby of the wingate inn together. One of these men came right at Carlos. He jumped the counter. He pointed a pistol in carlos's face and demanded the money. Carlos opens the cash drawer, and he took the paper money out and handed it over. He turns away, and the guy strikes him in the head and says, where's the safe? And that's when rodney came out from the office.

[B]

Jessica knoll is a reporter and cold case investigator for gone cold from 11 alive Atlanta. The man continues to ask, where's the safe? Rodney tells him there is no safe. And so he takes his.22 caliber handgun and shoots Rodney in the chest. The two men flee. Carlos tries calling 911, but he panics and can't remember how to dial out. He runs to a nearby bowling alley to call for help. As police race to the wingate inn, paramedics try to save rodney's life, but he's pronounced dead on arrival at kennestone hospital.

[A]

I was forensic investigator assigned to the medical examiner's office. I received a call from the charge nurse at kennestone hospital. She told me that she wanted to report a death that had just occurred. The victim had been shot in a nearby business. When I arrived at the morgue, I saw the body of Rodney castleman. The injury was above the nipple line on the left chest. That was, by its size and shape, consistent to me with a small caliber gunshot wound injury. I talked to a few of the detectives that were there at the wingate inn. There was some blood, and there were some papers thrown about on the floor. Hotel documents that had been inside the cast drawer. The scene was telling us we were looking at one shot being fired. There weren't at that time, a lot of clues or leads.

[B]

Gwen castelin is rodney's mother.

[A]

Rodney was born October 23, 1964. He always liked to keep everybody laughing. He used my heart.

[B]

Tracy white is Rodney's friend. I met rodney when I was nine years old. He was a very infectious person, you.

[A]

Know, tall in stature and character. Even when he was young, Early Saturday.

[B]

Mornings, him and his dad would wash the cars, you know, and I would be walking up the street, and Mr.

[A]

Casselin was very intent on getting those cars clean.

[B]

So, you know, Rodney would be making.

[A]

Funny gestures behind him, you know, and things like that. So we would just bust out laughing. Everybody liked him.

[B]

I am very proud that I raised A good son, very proud. Kelly Casselin Gakutan is Rodney's wife. The summer of 91, I met Rodney. I mean, instantly there was an attraction. It just felt like we were meant to be. We just enjoyed each other so much. Rodney and Kelly make it official in April of 1995. The following year, they welcome a son, Kyle. Prior to Rodney and I getting married, he had two children already and just very, very exciting to bring our families together. Our second child was Kennedy. Kennedy unfortunately passed away in 1999 from complications of a birth defect. I absolutely could not have imagine going through any of it without him. We did decide after Kennedy to have another baby. And so in 2000, I was pregnant. Rodney decided that he wanted to start a car wash and so he went back to school into business management. And he was working at night. We were just settling in to what we felt was a new life for us and we were happy. During my sleep, I heard. I thought I heard the doorbell. I opened the door and it was Detective John Dawes. And he said, kelly, there was a shooting and a robbery at the hotel tonight and Rodney was killed.

[A]

The look in her eyes is something that I won't forget. All the things that she had talked about with her husband that they wanted to do just ended. And you can see it in her face.

[B]

I know in that moment when the robbers had that gun pointed to his face, I know for sure he was thinking of us. He was so good.

[A]

Kelly asked me, how long will this take? When will I know? We're at a stage in the investigation where we. We know that there was an armed robbery. We know that that gunshot caused Rodney's death. And that's about it. What can we tell this woman? How can I make the moment better? I answered the only way I knew how. What I felt in my gut, I told Kelly that night, I don't know when, but this case is going to be solved.

[B]

I don't think it's very often that a detective will make a promise to a victim's family that they will solve a case because it's hard to keep.

[A]

I was drawn to Kelly in such a way that I. I had to keep track of this case. I was just the forensic investigator handling certification of the death. But I knew the guys in homicide and I was going to help however I could do whatever I could.

[B]

Back at the Wingate Inn, crime scene investigators comb every inch of the scene.

[A]

The cash drawer was not only open, but all the paper money was gone. The Money taken was $304 Vic Reynolds.

[B]

Is a former cobb county district attorney.

[A]

Guns don't go off by themselves. And I think in this particular case, Somebody had decided to bump up an armed robbery of some money, a little over $300, into a case of taking rodney's life. Nearby, on the floor over against the baseboard, There was a projectile. It was a small caliber, so that's what we were looking at.

[B]

Then the crime scene technician calls attention to the hotel's front counter.

[A]

On the registration counter, she used a flashlight and illuminated what appeared to be a left palm print and the fingertips associated with that palm. Some of them smudged, some of them not. Prints aren't as easy to come by as people think they are. The next big hurdle is finding out who that print belongs to. This is a hotel registration desk. How many people have touched that in the last day? It could be someone who just checked into the hotel. It could be the guy who took the money and shot rodney. We don't know who this print belongs to.

[B]

A palm print and a projectile. It's not much to go on. Looking for more detectives turned to the crime's closest eyewitness, the injured and shaken desk clerk.

[A]

In the interview with carlos Torres, we were able to determine that we were looking for a black male. He was estimated to be 20, 25 years of age, Wearing a white jersey, perhaps with a number on it, but his face wasn't covered.

[B]

Carlos tells police he ran to the bowling alley in a panic where he called 911. Investigators then discover there were two 911 calls that night. One came from carlos, the other from a hotel guest.

[A]

This hotel guest had gone into the computer room Just off of the lobby that night. And while there, these two guys come running in the wingate inn. One jumped the counter behind the register and then shot rodney casselin. The other came directly at this hotel guest in the computer room. This suspect demanded the hotel guest get on the floor, Empty out his pockets. This hotel guest described this guy as a Black male, about 5, 6, with a thin build, Wearing a black face cover. So now we have the armed robbery of the hotel guest, and we have the murder of Rodney casselin.

[B]

Detectives want to get a look at the unmasked suspect, but the hotel doesn't have security cameras.

[A]

There were detectives sent out to check all the businesses to see if they had cameras. We did hear from one of our uniform guys that earlier, about three to four hours before the armed robbery and murder at the wingate inn, the clerk from exxon station called and reported two suspicious males occupying a gray early 1990s Lincoln Town Car. This store has video, and we want it. But the video is such poor quality. The pixelization was horrible. You couldn't have made out any facial features. The vehicle was never in a position where we could have gotten the tag number, so it didn't hold the value that we wanted. A couple of detectives went literally door to door throughout the hotel, waking people up, finding out, how long have you been here? Did you see anything? Certainly at a hotel, you're hoping that somebody may have been in the parking lot, they may have seen somebody flee. Of all the contacts that were made, we were not able to gather any information from anyone. We have no idea where these suspects came from and in what direction they they left in. I75 is right there. In 10 minutes, he could be in Atlanta with 5 million other people. In an hour and a half, he could be in chattanooga, tennessee. Rodney's funeral was indicator.

[B]

It was very emotional. That funeral, his funeral. That was about the most saddest day of my life. God don't own the bad peoples.

[A]

They take the bad ones and the.

[B]

Good ones, and they just took a.

[A]

Good one from me.

[B]

The church was packed. Friends, family, people he worked with, and it's just a testament of who rodney was. Twelve days after Rodney's murder, detectives don't have a single suspect. The killer could be anywhere by now. So investigators changed tactics.

[A]

Carlos torres was brought to headquarters to try to do a composite sketch. After the sketch was completed, the parent company of the wingate inn, they had decided that they would include a reward of $10,000 on the case, leading to the arrest of the person who committed the armed robbery and the murder. So on December 19, it hit the news. It's in the media, it's on television in the metro Atlanta area. We're trying to locate any witness information that we can locate. This was a complete whodunit. Anytime the phone rings and a caller tells you that they want to provide information, it's exciting. There's potential there with every time the phone rings, Tips can come in for the myriad of reasons we've seen them come in, where people are truly convinced they saw something that they didn't. We got tips from men who were in custody in jails close to us. There were photographic lineups put together, but none of those lineups resulted in any identification by carlos torres.

[B]

By the new year, Cobb county investigators are struggling for for leads and put their last hope on the analysis of the print found at the scene.

[A]

We had eliminated fingerprints. It's not carlos. It's Not Rodney. It's not a hotel guest. So we had a good feeling that it was our guy. There were efforts made to identify that print through the ASVA system, the automated fingerprint identification system. At the time, the system had been loaded up with a lot of fingerprints of people who had been in custody throughout the entire state of Georgia. We just didn't get a match at that time.

[B]

Through aphis, I was calling multiple times in a day trying to get answers. But what the detectives would often say to me is that these things can take time.

[A]

When you don't have the answers, it's very frustrating. I made Kelly a promise that Rodney's case would be solved. I was living with this case every day, wondering what else could be done. I was mad after not even knowing who it was and didn't think that they would ever find out who did it. We had been through quite the investigation. We had searched out everything we could and there just wasn't anything coming through. So By September of 2002, everything had just stopped.

[B]

Just under two years after Rodney's murder, there are no suspects to question, no leads to chase, and only a perfect print, but no finger to match. Without any new information, Rodney's case goes cold.

[A]

That's a sad day in the life of a homicide detective. My experience with armed robbery cases, they're just a very, very difficult case to solve.

[B]

It was discouraging, but I resolved myself to knowing that it would happen when it's supposed to. It's not a day pass that I don't think about him. When I close my eyes at night, I can see him. And it's not a sad thing that I see. It's just a beautiful angel. Are you tired of spending hours meal planning and prepping, especially when trying to eat healthier? I know I was. That's why I'm excited to tell you about CookUnity, a chef collective that brings a variety of fresh, fully cooked meals to your table every week. By simplifying my meals with cookunity, I freed up so much time and energy for my New Year's resolutions. Like baking more bread. Imagine having an endless variety of vibrant, healthy meals crafted by award winning chefs, delivered right to your door. These aren't just any chefs. These are culinary stars you've seen on TV and in five star kitchens. They're creating small batch meals with you in mind, using local in season ingredients. And the meals arrive fresh, not frozen, at a fraction of the cost and time of dining out. I've been exploring CookUnity's vegetarian options. And I'm absolutely in love with the roasted vegetable Quinoa bowl by chef Maria Rodriguez. It's packed with colorful roasted butternut squash, crisp Brussels sprouts and perfectly seasoned quinoa. The combination of textures and the herb infused tahini dressing make it feel like a gourmet restaurant experience. With CookUnity taking care of my meals, I found more time to focus on my hobbies and spend quality time with my family. It's not just about convenience. It's about enjoying delicious, nutritious food that makes me feel energized and satisfied. Plus, with over 200 different dish options every week and new chefs constantly joining the team, mealtime is never boring. Whether you're looking for high protein, gluten free or vegetarian options, there's something for everyone. Reset your routine with convenient, mouthwatering meals crafted with local ingredients by award winning chefs. Go to cookunity.com cold or enter code cold before checkout for 50% off your first week. That's 50% off your first week by using code cold or going to cookunity.com cold this show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Imagine standing at the edge of a new year with all its potential stretching out before you like an uncharted landscape. What if you could navigate this terrain with a trusted guide? Someone who helps you map out your emotional journey and discover paths you never knew existed? Like an experienced cartographer, therapy helps you explore the hidden valleys and unexpected peaks of your inner world. It's not about drawing straight lines, but understanding the nuanced terrain of your emotions, marking the landmarks of your experiences, and charting a course toward personal growth and understanding. I've found therapy to be extremely beneficial in my life. It gives me a sense of perspective that isn't always easy to find on my own. It's like being able to see the full map instead of just a small section right in front of me. BetterHelp is fully online, making therapy accessible and convenient and serving over 5 million people worldwide. With a network of more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties, you can find the right match for your unique needs. And if you ever feel like you need a change, switching therapists is easy and comes at no extra cost. So why wait? Start your journey today with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com coldcase to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp.com coldcase@t mobile we'll give you.

[A]

Four free 5G phones and four lines for only $25 per line per month with eligible trade ins. And no, it's not a contest, it's every day for a limited time. Everyone's a winner on America's largest 5G network.

[B]

Minimum of 4 lines for $25 per.

[A]

Line per month with autopay discount using debit or bank account $5 more per line without auto pay up to $830 off each phone via 24 monthly bill credits plus taxes, fees and $10 device.

[B]

Connection charge for well qualified customers.

[A]

Contact us before canceling entire account to.

[B]

Continue BO credits or credit stop and.

[A]

Balance on red required finance agreement too bill credits and if you pay up devices early CT mobile.com Walmart plus it's.

[B]

Walmart plus free delivery which saves members time plus money yep plus an included Paramount plus subscription to stream movies, shows, sports and that can't miss documentary plus Burger King savings that's right, members get 25% off Burger King digital orders every day of the week. Walmart+ it's Walmart+ become a member at walmartplus.com $35 order minimum Fairmont+ essential plan only. Separate registration required. Valid and participating USBKs in the BK app or bk.com for members only 25% off one time for calendar day terms apply. See Walmart+ terms and conditions. It's now 2009, almost nine years since Rodney's murder.

[A]

I went to my direct supervisor and I said, look, can I pull out some cold cases and start working on them? Cold cases can't be solved by picking them up, laying them down, picking them up, laying them down. They can only be solved by picking them up and staying on top of them. Rodney's case, the first one I pulled out of the file. Why? Because of Kelly Castleman. Still heard from her every now and then, but she still didn't have any answers. And I still felt horrible about it. I reviewed Rodney's case. I looked at every lead. I went back through the evidence and the fingerprints, trying to come up with some new way to go at the case. I still knew in my heart and in my gut that it would one day be solved.

[B]

It's now June 1, 2012, 11 years and six months after Rodney's murder.

[A]

I'm in the office and the intel analyst comes walking in the door and he says, I got a teletype out of Florida. There's a person with information about an armed robbery and murder that occurred at a hotel that had Wynn in the name and it occurred north of Atlanta 12 years earlier. I jumped out of my chair because my first thought is I'm about to solve this case. I flew out of my desk to grab the teletype. I need to find out everything I can about this person who's providing this information.

[B]

Detective Dawes gets in touch with the Florida deputy who sent the teletype that hinted at Rodney's murder.

[A]

So I'm talking to this deputy sheriff with Jacksonville sheriff's office, and he says, you know, I'm assigned to a federal task force about human trafficking. I was involved in a federal arrest with this guy. He's pending federal human trafficking charges here in Florida. His attorney provided a proffer, and the proffer was exactly what the teletype says. There was a murder north of Atlanta 12 years ago that I can provide information about. Proffers come from individuals who are caught up in the criminal justice system. They're done. So it will help them get a lesser sentence. In this particular case. This information that this person had offered in the state of Florida may be referring to the situation where Rodney had been robbed and shot in Cobb County, Georgia. The human trafficking case is still pending in the state of Florida, and based upon that, it limits Detective Doll's ability to go talk to him. This guy who had the information, he's represented by an attorney, so I can't ask him any questions. It's his constitutional right and guarantee, and I can't interrupt that. So I got to sit and wait.

[B]

Prohibited by law to speak to the man in Florida. While his human trafficking cases pending, Detective Dawes does some digging into his background.

[A]

He had been literally all over the United States running prostitutes and taking money. So I get in touch with my fingerprint guy. Let's get this individual's prints, and let's. Let's do a manual comparison to the print from the counter at the Wingate Inn. So that was done. No match.

[B]

After confirming that the print does not belong to the man in Florida, Detective Dawes remembers APHIS. The Automated Fingerprint Identification System has evolved since 2000, when the prints found at the crime scene were first submitted for comparison.

[A]

In 2000, when you ran a print through APHIS, it was limited to looking at prints in your state. APHIS has now become a system where you can put a fingerprint in and see not only your state, you can see the entire United States. And I said to my fingerprint guy, run the prints from the counter at the Wingate Inn. My fingerprint examiner came to me, and he said, the left little finger. I got a match. And the guy's. James Lorenzo Randolph.

[B]

Detective Dawes is finally able to put A name to the print. But the investigation is far from over.

[A]

Even though you may have matched the print, the truth is you frequently need a little bit more to make sure that case is prosecutable. I could probably take in a warrant at that time for James Lorenzo Randolph based on the print, But I wouldn't have felt comfortable saying, well, this guy's fingerprint is on the counter, so I think he did it. And that's all I got. I wanted to corroborate the evidence with a statement. I grabbed up Rodney's file, and I found the hotel registration log, and I looked for James Lorenzo Randolph. He's not on the guest log, and he's not a previous or current employee of the Wingate Inn. I started my research on James Lorenzo Randolph. Within a week of Rodney Casselin's murder, James Lorenzo Randolph was identified in an armed robbery of a sandwich shop in South Carolina. He was arrested in late December of 2000. He had done about nine and a half years in prison in South Carolina.

[B]

The lingering question for detective Dawes is how James Lorenzo Randolph would be connected to the informant in Florida.

[A]

I see a report that In December of 2000, my person with information down in Florida and my fingerprint match, James Lorenzo Randolph listed the exact same address as their home address in Columbia, South Carolina. Now we're rolling.

[B]

Then Detective Dawes comes to a startling realization.

[A]

At the time of the incident at the Wingate Inn, the two men who came in were both described as thin builds. This guy who knows about the case is not a thin build. But how does he know about it? One thing that always bothered me about the Wingate Inn is we didn't know how the guys got there, and we didn't know how they left. But they got out of the area quickly because somebody drove them there and somebody drove them away. The guy with information floored it. He's got to be a driver. I am itching to go to talk to this guy with information. I don't care where I have to go. I don't care how I get there. I want to know how he knows about Rodney's murder.

[B]

Knowing he has little chance of getting a statement from his main suspect, James Lorenzo Randolph, Detective Dawes stays focused on the man who may have driven the getaway car the night of Rodney's murder.

[A]

This guy with information in Florida had been sentenced for human trafficking, and he had been placed in the federal Bureau of Prisons. The fact that he'd been sentenced meant that he was no longer represented by an attorney. So I went to the prison where he was sentenced to serve.

[B]

Now legally able to speak to the suspected driver, Detective Dawes meets with him in federal prison but gets nothing out of the tight lipped informant. It was very hard.

[A]

It would just be like what is it that it would take?

[B]

What is it that we could do?

[A]

It wasn't anything that we could do, but depending on the detectives as time.

[B]

Continued to move, it was really important to me that my children grew up healthy and happy, especially with Kyle. I didn't want his memory to only be that someone killed his dad and for him to be angry. I wanted him to be happy. So I just continued to focus on that Are you ready to take control of your weight in 2025? Imagine losing an average of nine pounds in your first month. That's not just a dream, it's what real hers customers have reported with their personalized compounded GLP1 treatment plans. Weight loss can often feel overwhelming, but hers is helping to change that. Hers weight loss approach is transforming women's health care by providing access to affordable weight loss treatment plans delivered straight to your door if prescribed. HERS offers a holistic weight loss program with personalized solutions. Their offerings include compounded GLP1 weekly injections featuring the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, or oral medication kits. Getting started is simple. Just submit an online intake form and a licensed medical provider will determine the best plan for you. If prescribed, your program includes medication, ongoing care and online Support, all at one affordable price. Compounded GLP1 injections start at just $165 per month with a 12 month plan paid upfront for new subscribers. There are no hidden fees and no membership costs. If you've been struggling with your weight loss journey, it's time to find an option that works for you. With hers, you're not just getting medication, you're getting a comprehensive support system to help you achieve your goals. Start your initial free online Visit [e-mail] Coldcase that's F O R H E R-S.com Coldcase for your personalized weight loss treatment options. Forahurs.com Coldcase hers weight loss is not available everywhere. Compounded products are not FDA approved or verified for safety, effectiveness or quality. Prescription required restrictions apply. WeGovy and Ozempic are not compounded. Actual price depends on product and plant. Purchased cold case files is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, Monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home and more. Plus you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.

[A]

If you have a locked AT&T phone, we're here with bolt cutters. T Mobile will help pay off your locked phone and give you a new 5G phone for free. All on America's largest 5G network. Visit t mobile.com CarrierFreedom via virtual prepaid MasterCard in 15 days. Free phone up to 830 via 24.

[B]

Monthly bill credits plus tax and a.

[A]

$10 device connection charge.

[B]

Qualify important trade and service on Go5G.

[A]

Next and credit required.

[B]

Contact us before canceling entire account to continue bill credits or credit stop and.

[A]

Balance on required finance agreements due bill credits and if you pay off devices.

[B]

Early Walmart plus it's Walmart plus free delivery which saves members time plus money yep plus an included Paramount plus subscription to stream movies, shows, sports and that can't miss documentary plus Burger King savings that's right. Members get 25% off Burger King digital orders every day of the week. Walmart+ it's Walmart+ become a [e-mail] $35 order minimum Fairmont+ essential plan only separate registration required valid and participating USVKs and the BK app or bk.com for members only 25% off one time per calendar day. Terms apply. See Walmart+ terms and conditions. It's now June 2014, 13 years and 6 months after Rodney's murder.

[A]

When I was elected the district attorney, we still had a number of unsolved homicide cases. I made a decision to approach John Dawes and talk to him about running our cold case unit. We put together a hand picked selected cold case unit.

[B]

This was kind of a passion project for Vic Reynolds.

[A]

And so the men and women that.

[B]

He recruited, they were passionate about justice and they had a heart for the victims.

[A]

In June of 2014, we opened up Rodney's case. We reviewed every police report. We had all these notes in this huge office and I said, we have to do something.

[B]

Determined not to give up on the informant who wouldn't speak to him, Detective Dawes gets an idea. He reaches out to the Florida attorney who had represented the informant in his federal human trafficking.

[A]

And I said, can you tell me anything? And he said, well, clearly I can't tell you anything because I was his lawyer, but I Bet if you offer him something, some benefit, he may talk to you. We believe that this individual was involved in Rodney's case, but his involvement was limited to driving the getaway car. Do we tell them, in exchange for helping us get this shooter, we're going to make sure that you not be prosecuted for the offense of felony murder. It's a tough call, but that's what had to be made in this case.

[B]

Detective Dawes returns to the Terre Haute Federal Prison to speak with the informant again, who is still serving his sentence for human trafficking.

[A]

I handed him a letter signed by Vic that said, we won't charge you with any crime associated with this incident in the state of Georgia, but you have to give me your truthful statement. You have to get on a witness stand in a trial, and you have to tell the truth in front of a jury of 12 individuals. That's what you have to do. Very reluctantly, he began. One of the first things he said is, I won't tell you about the other guy. But he talked about driving, talked about James Lorenzo Randolph being in the backseat. The week before Rodney's murder, the SEC championship football was at the Georgia Dome, and he was running prostitutes. They were getting ready to leave town, and James said, let me hit that place, that Wingate. So they pulled up that night. He was parked in the Cadillac and could see inside. He saw Randolph holding the pistol. He saw him hit Carlos Torres with it. He saw him get the bag with money. He saw Rodney come out. He saw the gun being pointed, and then he saw the muzzle flash and knew that James Lorenzo Randolph had just shot Rodney Castlin. I said, okay, how did James Lorenzo Randolph get behind the counter? He said, oh, he put his hand on it and jumped it. According to this man, the two guys were there to do the robbery, shooting Rodney Castle, and that was not at all intended to occur. He gave me a great statement. I knew it was truthful, and we had it. We had it. There was no doubt in my mind that that palm print and fingerprints were the guy who demanded money. Same guy who hit Carlos Torres in the back of the head with a pistol. And most importantly, to pull the trigger on Rodney Casselin. From this point forward, when I talk to James Lorenzo Randolph, it's going to be with a war in hand.

[B]

There is no way this could happen to someone of the character of Rodney, and we not know at some point who did it.

[A]

The US Marshals had located James Lorenzo Randolph about 6:30 in the morning. They entered the house with a warrant and the arrest was made. James was taken to the Richland county jail by the marshals service.

[B]

James Lorenzo Randolph is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery.

[A]

We went in to talk to James Lorenzo Randolph, and he very quickly told us he. He didn't have anything to say to us. He had zero reaction. None.

[B]

I was in my office, and the reception came in, and she said, you have a call on the line from the Cobb county police department. My heart just dropped because I felt like this must be the call.

[A]

The sergeant from the Cobb county police department called Kelly. He said, kelly, I want you to know that we just arrested the guy who shot Rodney Castleman. And Kelly said, where's John Dawes? And he said, he's right here. And he handed me the phone.

[B]

I just cried, and I just thanked God. And I believe I asked, are you sure? John said, we're sure. We got him. That was the best call.

[A]

All I could think about was, that's. You can give me a commendation. You can throw me in the newspaper. You can give me a pay raise. I do this because I got to call Kelly.

[B]

In March of 2016, the trial of James Lorenzo Randolph begins. Fifteen years and three months after Rodney's.

[A]

Murder, we entered into a trial. It lasted about a week. After we had the jury seated, we had assigned the case to our very experienced prosecutor. We were obviously concerned about the informant. But in the end, the individual stood up, took an oath, and laid out the entire facts of the case, including identifying Randolph as in fact, the shooter that shot Rodney.

[B]

It was very painful to hear more details about the night. At the same time, I felt like we're finally in this moment that we are getting answers. With Rodney's family looking on, the jury finds James Lorenzo Randolph guilty on all counts. In his victim impact statement, Rodney's son Kyle describes the effect his father's murder has had on him. Neither the informant nor Randolph ever tell police anything about that third suspect. He has yet to be identified. James Lorenzo Randolph is serving three life sentences plus 35 years at Washington state prison. I miss the most hearing him tell me that he loves me.

[A]

He's always been daughter, even though he's not here. He was absolutely a beautiful person. Beautiful person.

[B]

I trust that I'm gonna see him again. That's what I believe. Rodney right now would be 57 years old. The world missed out on just an abundance of love and compassion. You know, I said earlier, he was an old so. And he would always say things like, just keep on living. We're going to have our good and bad days. But we don't have to be stuck in the bad days. It's important not to be stuck in the bad days. Cold Case Files is hosted by Marissa Pinson, produced by Jeff derae, and distributed by Podcast One. The Cold Case Files TV series was produced by Curtis Productions and hosted by Bill Curtis. Check out more Cold case [e-mail] hi, I'm Stassi Schroeder. On my podcast, I share candid updates from my personal life, chat with some of my best friends about what's going on in our lives, give commentary on the latest pop culture headlines, and sometimes deep dive into random topics. I'm obsessed with, like, human design. It's a bit all over the place, but that's how I like it. And you will too. Listen to my podcast Dossi wherever you get your podcasts.