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.