Robert Castillo (left), 61, of Fresno, has been arrested in the 2004 murder and sexual assault of Barbara Lee after DNA evidence linked him to the cold case and two additional rape investigations. (Fresno County SO)
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A Fresno man has been arrested in connection with a decades-old cold case after DNA technology linked him to the 2004 murder and sexual assault of a woman found dead in a field, authorities said Thursday.
Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested Robert Castillo, 61, on April 10. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of murder, two counts of rape, and one count of sexual assault. His bail is set at $2.1 million.
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Castillo is accused of killing Barbara Lee, 43, also known as Barbara Parker, whose body was found Oct. 31, 2004, in a dirt field near California and Polk avenues in Fresno.
At the time, homicide detectives interviewed several people who knew Lee but were unable to identify a suspect.
In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office launched a new Strategic Plan aimed at solving cold case homicides. Working with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, officials formed a Cold Case Unit Review Board composed of detectives, crime analysts, prosecutors, and DA investigators.
The board has helped solve nine cold cases in the past year, including Lee’s, authorities said.
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Investigators revisited the evidence and used advanced DNA testing to confirm a match between Castillo and Lee. Castillo’s DNA was also linked to two other rape cases from 2003 and 2004. A third case is still awaiting test results, officials said.
Authorities said Castillo has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1981, including prison time in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s for property crimes.
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Got a Tip?
Authorities believe Castillo may have other victims who have not come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867.
Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #04-25747.
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Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
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