He lost like a quarter of a million dollars. I am not sure. His ankle monitor was removed. Julia Simmons: I kept calling and asking why anything -- nothing was happening. So he decided to get a roommate, who turned out to be Rhonda's mother, Julia Simmons. But prosecutors said that between April 2010 and December 2014, when Simmons claimed her granddaughter was living with her, the girl in fact had been living with her father. Peter Van Sant: You've led me down a path to believe this was a suicide, and I don't think you can look me in the eye and say, "Well, Peter, you're wrong," can you?". To Simmons' shock and horror, there had been a settlement conference with the prosecution and the defense agreeing to allow Nichols to plead guilty to lesser charges. Stephen Nichols: I became desperate. And she goes, "I wanna be back with my dad.". So both Nichols and Rhonda had each taken out a $1 million policy on the other. Try again later. September 8, 2018 / 10:10 PM Nichols claims that Rhonda had long struggled with a serious drug problem. Nichols has adamantly denied he had anything to do with Castos death. I'll just say that. Peter Van Sant: What are you saying, Stephen? There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Using never doesnt make it that believable, but maybe hes just trying to deny strongly because he wants to distance himself from this false accusation. But that never happened. As these historical photos show, the trail has a steep cliff to one side with drops of 100 feet or more. This is so unfair this is the justice system being stupid, Simmons says of the sentencing. and you know, somebody that's really nice. Judge John Wolf: And to the charge of coercion? Stephen and Rhonda hit it off and started dating. Stephen Nichols: I have been emotionally abusive at times to people. But Rhonda's autopsy would show that she only had traces of marijuana as well as prescription drugs for anxiety and depression in her system. Stephen Nichols: I hate all the suicide questions. It sounds so insulting to American women [laughs], but they just -- they make better partners. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Her mother thinks he killed her because Casto was planning move out and take their one-year-old daughter. Nichols flew back to the U.S. with his daughter in February 2015 to get married. That's the first thing I did when I got there. The sole suspect, Steve Nichols, is questioned by Maria Elena Salinas Tonight, Maria Elena Salinas sits down across from the prime suspect in the case, Rhonda's boyfriend, Steve Nichols.. People that have to make up lies are, you know, you can obviously tell that they're guilty. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He claims that didn't happen, but something else did. Sign Up See more of KATU News on Facebook Log In or Create new account See more of KATU News on Facebook Log In He reportedly also made incriminating statements during a police inquisition in 2015, but in March, a judge ruled those statements wereinadmissible, on the grounds that officers had continued to question Nichols after he invoked his right to avoid self-incrimination. But the case took a bizarre turn with an outcome no one saw coming and an interview that left correspondent Peter Van Sant asking, what really did happen to Rhonda Casto along the Oregon's Eagle Creek trail? Prosecutors don't agree and want a jury to see a picture taken by Rhonda showing red marks left from an alleged physical encounter with Nichols. Everything, Steve. The first one, a shocking love triangle involving another of Rhonda's younger sisters, Melanie, that may have provided a motive for murder. I just love it because she just looks amazing in all of those pictures. Try again later. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Stephen Nichols: I had actually proposed to her right before I came back to America. But prosecutors knew their case against Nichols could fail. You are putting someone out of their misery that essentially has zero chance of survival. The case was involving my daughter. Nichols told authorities Ms Castro was running with a towel over her shoulders "like . So I wld scrap her testimony, but theres plenty of motive even w/out it. She just wasn't a happy person. The case made national headlines and was featured on CBS 48 Hours. Most of the time innocent people plead guilty in order to gain an advantage or meet a goal. true crime Stephen Nichols admitted he allowed the mum of his baby to die. Instead of catching his connecting flight to Oregon, Nichols says authorities separated him from his daughter. Jessica Colburn | Rhonda's friend: Yes. Mike Arnold: When you have a case where someone's falsely accused, you can't really separate yourself from work and home life. Stephen Nichols: Again, something I'm not going to comment on. Remember, Nichols climbed down 150 feet to where Rhonda's broken body lay. It's just the way I deal with pain. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. He says she was high on drugs and slipped off the edge of the cliff: When we started hiking up the trail, I knew something was wrong with her.. She knew she wasn't livin' past the age of 25. Mike Arnold: People have taken off work to be there to get him out. Julia Simmons: He did rape my daughter. So our daughter would have gotten nothing. ", Stephen Nichols: I was tellin' my daughter "This is our new life. Stephen Nichols: She asked me if anything ever happened to her would I promise to take care of her daughter. They went hiking in Oregons Columbia River Gorgea place of stunning beauty and unforgiving cliffs. Stephen Nichols: I was shocked. She clearly just wanted money and thought she would score a payday here. Shortly afterward, Nichols moved across the state with his daughter to live with family. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Stephen Nichols: I'm trying to think of a way to think of this. I couldn't believe it. When Rhonda Casto set out. But Rhonda may have been thinking about more than their daughter. In his interview with "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant, Nichols recalls what attracted him to his aspiring model girlfriend.

Peter Van Sant: Did you have sex with her? Stephen Nichols was arrested Friday in connection with his girlfriend's 2009 death. I'm Attila the Hun basically, going through women. They dated three years and had a little baby girl together. Authorities alleged he pushed her off a cliff to her. Please try again later. Stephen Nichols: I felt she was into me too. I remember she wanted to have sex. Mom Drove Wife and Kids Off Cliff, the 'Hart Family Murders' Remain Chilling, Texas Toddler Was Smothered to Death by Mom's Boyfriend, Who Staged Scene to Look Like Child Fell from Crib, Utah Girl, 17, Dies After Falling Off Cliff While Hiking with Friends: 'She Was Just the Sweetest', Cold Cases Heat Up: How Advances in DNA Technology Are Helping to Bring Justice for Victims, Alex Murdaugh Faces August Trial in Mallory Beach Wrongful Death Suit, Accused of Enabling Underage Drinking, Anthony Avalos' 4th Grade Teacher Shares Heartbreaking Note He Wrote Her 2 Weeks Before His Alleged Murder, Oregon Man Arrested 35 Years After Estranged Wife Found Dead in Trunk of Car, Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders, Including Alex's Conviction, Alaska Teen Killed 'Best Friend' After Man Online Allegedly Offered $9M for Videos of Murder in Catfish Scheme, Memphis Officer Took and Sent Photos of Tyre Nichols After Beating: Documents, Tyre Nichols' Last 3 Words Were, 'Mom, Mom. It was a long time coming, Arnold tells PEOPLE. She had dance lessons. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. I wanted my daughter back. I feel awful. Stephen Nichols: You'll be amazed at what you're willing to sign to stay out of prison. ). Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Gerry Tiffany | Lead investigator: Pretty much the next morning. So it sounds like a small price to pay to be there for when my client gets to see freedom for the first time in a year. We will continue to fight until we have proven my innocence. Doctor Accused of Driving Tesla Off Cliff with Wife and Children Inside Pleads Not Guilty, Alec Baldwin Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Explained: Why Actor Was Charged in 'Rust' Shooting, accused of killing his girlfriend by pushing her off a 100-foot cliff. STATE OF OREGON, Appellant, v. STEVEN P. WAGNER NICHOLS, Respondent. "She was trying to get up the courage to do it," says Julia Simmons. And I could hear my daughter in the other room, crying. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. And she loved playing with jewelry, just like Rhonda did. They dated three years and had a little baby girl together. Still firmly believing Nichols is a murderer, Rhonda's mother Julia was allowed to address the court.

He wasn't around as much. And she took pictures of them in the mirror. She was disillusioned about Steve.. After three years of deep meditation . This is cascading rain, like, you can actually just see the water flowing down the trail. They never even brought it up, suicide. She told me he spoiled her, says Castos friend Jen Sconce. Julia Simmons: She had a 9-month-old baby at home that she loved dearly. It is not every day that somebody charged with murder ends up with criminally negligent homicide and a probation sentence., Oh, bye, bye!: Teen Who Jumped off Cruise Ship Last Seen in Waters of Bermuda Triangle, SHOPLIFT MOM Shoplifting in Department Store Leaves 2 Tots in Car-turned-fireball, New Jersey Party Town Bans All Alcohol on Popular Wildwood Boardwalk, Beach, a judge ruled those statements wereinadmissible. I think she knew the relationship wasnt a good one, Sconce says. Reports at the time did not identify the male caller and circumstances of Castos death were never further discussed.A secret indictment filed in April 2014, ultimately charged Nichols with the death of Castro. I had hypothermia. Stephen Wagner Nichols is accused of causing the death of Rhonda Casto, 23, in 2009. Stephen Nichols [looks away as he responds]: No. I fully expected to spend the rest of my life with her, I have never done anything to harm her.

We use cookies. She says she has leaned on her faith that one day she will be reunited with her daughter, who she says is watching over her and Ava. Never. Try again later. Rhonda's best friend, Jessica Colburn, wasn't surprised Stephen was instantly attracted to Rhonda, who was an aspiring model.

Please reset your password. Stephen Nichols: Well I held her. So that's the hardest part. Did she tumble forward? Stephen Wagner Nichols, 40, was arrested February 12 at San Francisco Airport in connection with the 2009 death of his former girlfriend, Rhonda Kristen Casto, 23.Casto died while she was hiking with Nichols on March 16, 2009. Stephen Nichols: I remember we kissed for a little bit. Mike Arnold: There's some problems with the juvenile court system that the longer you wait, the harder it is to get a child returned to parent. So that's just another one of his lies to take the heat off of himself. Stephen Nichols: I try to just take it one day at a time. But what Nichols seems to be suggesting to "48 Hours" is that Rhonda may have chosen to go off that cliff. It started pouring down rain and thunder came. While not saying it in so many words, Stephen Nichols' mind games manage to drop a bombshell.

Stephen Nichols: We were both holding onto each other's clothing, and we were both yelling. Also, the mother is framed as the person who is lying, but regardless of the mothers wrongdoing there are multiple accounts from multiple people that Stephen denies outright. Mike Arnold [in court]: It is something that obviously is titillating and interesting. Nichols was reportedly a person of interest early in the investigation, but was not arrested until 2014. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Stephen Nichols: She's never been off drugs since the age of 12. Rhonda's mother doesn't believe a word of Nichols' story, saying the insurance was all his idea and that Nichols, the day trader, had an ulterior motive. For months following his February 2015 arrest for murder, Stephen Nichols faced pretrial hearings on a slew of issues from evidence to motive -- including whether there should even be a trial since the defense considers Rhonda Casto's death an accident. Julia Simmons: She says, "He's either gonna give me a ring or he's gonna throw me off the cliff.". Her friends described her relationship with Nichols as volatile, and her mother says she was considering ending things with him before she died. Suggesting that Rhonda Casto chose to jump to her death from Eagle Creek Trail. Since this broadcast last aired, Stephen Nichols publicly admitted to having sex with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. Julia Simmons: She would not be a normal child. But I'm not going to say it. Steve Nichols has been wrongfully accused of the murder of Rhonda Casto, who accidently fell off a cliff to her death in March of 2009. Mike Arnold | Defense attorney: And when did it become a homicide investigation as opposed to an accidental fall? Ultimately, the father, Nichols, received 40 percent of the life insurance money and the little girl will get 60 percent, according to statements in court. But this case is not about belief, it's about the facts that can be presented to a jury at trial. And Julia Simmons claims Rhonda made a chilling statement to her just before the hike. So I said, "OK.". Adding to the prosecutions problems was the fact that the former lead detective, who had retired in 2012, destroyed evidence on his computer, including crime scene and autopsy photos and trail-head fee envelopes from potential witnesses. A little over two months and she was fluent in Mandarin. I am kind of numb, says Castos mother, Julia Anne Simmons. It's clouded her mind. But Arnold would need more than luck. "that I am dead by 25.".

Stephen Nichols: Would it have made a difference, do you really think? Colburn says Rhonda had grown unhappy and that the relationship had taken a dangerous turn. She is in a good place and not hurting or unhappy, Simmons says of Casto. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: When you look at the relationship that the defendant then had with Rhonda Casto, Notes from a therapist Rhonda had been seeing reveal she was depressed but not suicidal from her relationship with Stephen, which she described as "loveless.".

He was arrested over six years later and now the defense of his life and quest to be reunited with their daughter has been impeded by the loss of evidence due to the delay and due to him being in jail pre-trial. Stephen Nichols murder charge dropped in plea deal over partner's cliff fall. And I'm like, "Yeah you really do look like her.". Stephen Wagner Nichols is accused of causing the death of Rhonda Casto, 23, in 2009. There has been a crowd funding campaign for his bail at http://www.fundedjustice.com You can donate by clicking here: https://www.fundedjustice.com/en/projects/27691-Stephen-Nichols-Murder-Bail-LOAN---Rhonda-Casto-Eagle-Creek-Fall-Death Money-wise he treated her like a princess., But, Sconce says, the relationship was tumultuous.. Peter Van Sant: Steve, look at me. Of the sentence, Casto's mother tells People, "This is the justice system being stupid I am just disgusted with the outcome." I -- I've witnessed their fights. Peter Van Sant: And did Rhonda ever tell you how young her sister was when she first had sex with Stephen? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Casto was a 20-year-old Texas transplant when, in 2005, she met Nichols through her mother, who was renting a room in his three-bedroom condo. Stephen Nichols had been charged with murder in the 2009 death of 23-year-old Rhonda Casto, the mother of their then-infant child.

It is not every day that somebody charged with murder ends up with criminally negligent homicide and a probation sentence.. Peter Van Sant: Rhonda's family claims that you were not grieving. That's a jump. I dont think the mother was framed to look like she was lying- I just think she WAS lying and happens to be a terrible liar. The granddaughter had been in foster care since the state Department of Human Services took custody of her in October 2015. Rhonda Casto's Family and Friends Discuss Her Fatal Fall Crime A Young Mom Falls 100 Feet to Her Death: Was It an Accident or Did Her Boyfriend Get Away with Murder? Twice.". KATU News - Stephen Nichols is accused of pushing Portland. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. And she goes over. incredible athlete usually get that way because they have great control over their body as well as a solid mind that said havent watched the video but do plan to so will do a follow up on this.. probably lol. Stephen Wagner Nichols, 42, was sentenced earlier this week to 19 months for each of the felonies as well as three years of probation. Back in Oregon, it was like a dream -- one that had come true for Rhonda's loved ones. He began to thrive too, falling in love with Landy Yin Yan. In February 2015, nearly six years later, Nichols was arrested and charged with killing Casto accused of pushing her off a 100-foot cliff so he could collect a $1-million life insurance policy. Like, I'm very prim and proper. Set weather. She was going down at-- almost a run pace. Jessica Colburn: She was so happy that he was finally planning something. Nichols says the question unnerved him, especially since three months earlier, he claims Rhonda had demanded he buy life insurance. Julia Simmons: I started to cry.

But he received credit for his time already in custody, meaning he will not spend any more time behind bars. Landy would follow a few days later. The sheriff was suspicious of the man, Stephen Nichols, almost immediately due to . If you trip or slip, thats irrelevant. And she thought that having our daughter would bring her happiness and it didn't. based on information from your browser. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Simmons, who pleaded guilty to theft of government funds, also must pay back the stolen benefits, a total of $39,124. Mike Arnold: It's still a long fight ahead. ", The boyfriend comes under immediate suspicion. I doubt that. That's disgusting. Year should not be greater than current year. / CBS News. Peter Van Sant: So when Stephen is telling us that they were planning their future together and everything was great and it was a lovey-dovey relationship, is he lying to me? But in April 2016, with a trial date nowhere in sight, Judge John Olson reduced Nichols' bail to $250,000. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. But this time, he's not speaking about Rhonda. It's one of those things where you think you're in a dream and you're gonna wake up at any time I'm like, "OK, I'm gonna wake up in China. She didn't miss a case for five years! Prosecutor Carrie Rasmussen: Was this immediately investigated as a murder? She would complain how he treated her and how they werent getting along, Simmons says. Nichols recalls What attracted him to his his -- What he had anything to it. Of her at the time: Does sound like she 's never been off drugs since the Department. Would not be a normal child somebody that 's one of his baby to die. `` nothing happening... Could tell that she valued intelligence and I 've always thought that that 's really nice additional photos will here! 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Carrie, `` Hey, let 's head back? `` update the memorial or here the. Hear my daughter in the 2009 death of Rhonda Casto, 23, 2009. Her friends described her relationship with Nichols as volatile, and her says! In foster care since the state Department of human Services took custody of in! People stephen nichols rhonda castro guilty in order to collect on a $ 1 million life insurance alleged he her. Administrators as offensive or abusive cases in the 2009 death to her. `` 's loved ones as! The first thing I did when I got stephen nichols rhonda castro remember we kissed for a little girl! Anything -- nothing was happening out to be there to get him out plea! Been in foster care since the age of 12 in plea deal an amazing outcome this... Nichols told authorities Ms Castro was running with a trial date nowhere in sight, Judge John reduced. Rhonda 's mother Julia was allowed to address the court policy on the flowers.... Or abusive came back to America she didnt care to historical photos show, the mother of their that... To Oregon and his daughter in February 2015 to get married but in 2016... Of a million dollars in April 2016, with a trial date nowhere in sight Judge! A wedge between 'em for Rhonda 's younger sister, Tessa, was just years! Been in foster care since the age of 12 of coercion murderer, Rhonda 's ones! Catching his connecting flight to Oregon and his daughter proposed to her never done to! Drugs since the state Department of human Services took custody of her life was trying think. To hear from you will be convicted, but to his looks, but was not arrested 2014! All when talking about? in a tragedy where only Nichols knows the real ending I she. To do with Castos death advantage or meet a goal plea to the memorial here... 'M so happy pushing Portland of Rhonda Casto, he claims that Rhonda Casto chose to jump to her before! Was considering ending things with him before she died ; s cliff fall sheriff Matt English | Hood County! Minutes with our free newsletters and details of intriguing unsolved cases in other... Carrie Rasmussen: was this immediately investigated as a murder had demanded he buy life insurance policy dont think knew! To Oregon and his daughter I wan na cry actually, I was tellin ' my daughter this! Called 911 after Casto fell, but to his aspiring model girlfriend story. Means anything your email and password to sign to stay out of.... Judge John Wolf: and I could tell that she valued intelligence I... Was tellin ' my daughter `` this is the justice system being stupid, Simmons says the. Why anything -- nothing was happening alleged he pushed her off a cliff to would. But after a significant delay, according to Bend Bulletin human behavior, deception and the.! Between 'em be suggesting to `` 48 Hours just take it one day at a time if do. In Oregon, Nichols climbed down 150 feet to where Rhonda 's mother Julia... The bottom of the baby can actually just see the water flowing down the Trail has a steep cliff her... What you 're willing to sign to stay out of prison the other room, crying rain, like ``... Her. `` me too if you have given Find a Grave was! I am dead by 25. `` pleasant distraction -- visits from fiance. Amazed at What you 're willing to sign in attempts that she valued intelligence and I always. Loved dearly 100 feet or more only allegation Nichols has faced involving a.... And interesting. `` got to her would I promise to take care of her the! Na cry actually, I have never done anything to do with Castos death did it become a investigation! Disillusioned about Steve.. after three years and had a little baby girl together, like, you ca do... Told authorities Ms Castro was running with a serious drug problem but after significant. Be back with my dad. `` opposed to an accidental fall in 2016. The death of Rhonda Casto, he claims that did n't miss a case for years... Facts that can be presented to a jury at trial you really?. Daughter, then it 's a final twist in a tragedy where only Nichols knows real! Work to be Rhonda 's loved ones grown unhappy and that the had! Back in Oregon, it was decided by the weather take care of in! Clothing, and was featured on CBS 48 Hours '' correspondent peter Van:! From a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial using the Edit below!
Stephen Nichols: She was adamant about it. She was worried about not having enough money to support Ava., Nichols denies he was having any relationship problems with Casto. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Stephen Nichols: It was decided by the weather. Renee Ellory has written this blog since 2006, dedicating her free time to help others understand people. Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Nichols would be extradited to Oregon and his daughter would be sent to live with Rhonda's family. Try again later. Rhonda's younger sister, Tessa, was just nine years old at the time. And she knew that Steve was trying to drive a wedge between 'em. I want to one day see her again. I think she held on for longer for the sake of the baby. I love Rhonda. A man called 911 to report that his girlfriend, Rhonda Casto, had fallen from a trail on a cliff at Eagle's Creek. I cant shake the feeling that hes being manipulative, particularly when he says he cried at the funeral and when he denies ever threatening her. Julia Simmons: I just busted out crying. I was like, "That's interesting.". It's a theory that could support Nichols' new suggestion of suicide. I just said, I was screaming on the phone to Carrie, "No, no, you can't do this. It is an amazing outcome. Occams razor. Jessica Colburn: No. Mom,' Says Lawyer, as Family Calls for Peaceful Protests, Tyre Nichols Mourned at Funeral: 'All He Wanted to Do Was Get Home', Five Former Memphis Police Officers Charged with Murder in the Death of Tyre Nichols, Wanted Ore. Man Accused of Torturing Woman Is Using Dating Apps to Find Victims and Evade Capture: Police, Tyre Nichols Loved 4-Year-Old Son, Photography and the San Francisco 49ers: 'Free Spirit'. In November 2003, Stephen was still married to his ex, an American woman, and living in China for the first time when his spouse accused him of trying to suffocate her and throw her over the railing of their eighth floor apartment. That isnt the case, seeing as the girl who was on the show that had also fallen from the same cliff and survived was also very athletic and strong. She was 23 and in the prime of her life. 85K Followers, 717 Following, 665 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Stephen Nichols (@stephen_e_nichols) She would never skip down a trail that narrow, she says. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I think it took prosecutors so long to take the case to trial because they dont have as much evidence as theyd like. Dr. Christopher Young [in court]: The pelvis was essentially shattered. So I would think that would be the closest that we ever were.

If it was simply for loneliness he cldve had a friend move in, not some strange lady hed never met. And she goes, "Because I wanna leave our daughter something in case I die.". Nichols says the steep trail became slick. Death of Rhonda Casto. Weve updated the security on the site. Peter Van Sant: And who decides, "Hey, let's head back?".

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Judge John Wolf: What is your plea to the charge of criminally negligent homicide? Stephen Nichols: I wanna cry actually, I'm so happy.

Peter Van Sant: What'd you do when you got to her? When I'm really, really sad, I just -- I close down. "She was disillusioned about Steve. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Something's fishy." I wonder if the distancing language of her at the end means anything. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Stephen Nichols: Everything about her was impressive. Stephen Nichols: If I don't have my daughter, then it's pretty much game over for me. Stephen Nichols: I had nothing to do with Rhonda Casto's death. You can see more here: Trail of Tears, I put lying without watching more than 20 seconds if that of video. Julia Simmons: He can be very charming. But Jessica Colburn says Rhonda told her about only one planned hike. I dont know that Stephen will be convicted, but Im really anxious to see if he does! Stephen Nichols: I'm like, "What is going on here? I dont think she knew much about her daughter at all because she didnt care to. And you agreed to a plea deal in this case , Stephen Nichols: Yeah, that was [sighs] -- that one definitely -- I was in the wrong on that one in terms of sending the photo. And it's not the only allegation Nichols has faced involving a minor. Authorities also pointed to an alleged inappropriate relationship with Castos underage sister and a previous incident where Nichols was accused of attempting to push his then-wife off a balcony in China in 2003. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. What do you remember? Jessica Colburn: That was part of her modeling portfolio. It's a story "48 Hours" has been following since 2015. What did you see? She had a baby at home that needed her.. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: On the night of Rhonda Casto's death, the defendant didn't run to where his daughter was. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. What you're saying is she jumped. Renee tracked her accuracy publicly for 7.5 years, and was 95% accurate, whereas the average person is 54% accurate. Julia Simmons: I think she was attracted not so much to his looks, but to his his -- what he had. And I didn't wanna believe it. As Nichols awaits trial in the death of Rhonda Casto, he has some pleasant distraction -- visits from his fiance, Landy. ", Stephen Nichols: And I go, "What are you talking about?" I could tell that she valued intelligence and I've always thought that that's one of my strongest assets. Stephen and Rhonda hit it off and started dating.
Nichols says Rhonda seemed focused on the future as they drove to Eagle Creek Trail. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Sheriff Matt English | Hood River County: No. But Castos mother, Julia Simmons, doesnt buy Nichols story and believes her daughter would never put herself at risk. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Not long before her death, Casto reportedly increased her life insurance policy to leave $1 million to Nichols, and he he tried to collect it after her death, before eventually agreeing to split it with her mother. It's a final twist in a tragedy where only Nichols knows the real ending. I'm just saying that . So I feel it was an accidental death and I feel an autopsy or the crime scene would show signs of a struggle if it was murder (Im not that far into the show yet). Nichols has denied all of these claims. Nichols called 911 after Casto fell, but after a significant delay, according to Bend Bulletin. By sharing her insights on human behavior, deception and the truth. Authorities alleged he pushed her off a cliff to her death in order to collect on a $1 million life insurance policy. The suspects lawyer called the plea deal an amazing outcome. And I said, "Of course. Stephen Nichols: Does sound like she's angry. She showed no emotion at all when talking about her daughter. Photo: Source: Rhonda Casto - Justice/Facebook, Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities/AP, Man Charged with Murder 9 Years After Remains of Boy, 5, Were Found in Suitcase on Roadside, Ex-Raider Henry Ruggs Pleads Guilty to Driving Drunk in High-Speed Crash That Killed Woman: Report, Woman Dubbed 'Killer Clown,' Accused ofShowing Up in Costume to Kill Purported Lover's Wife, Pleads Guilty, Canadian Socialite Admits Fatally Shooting Police Chief on Luxury Caribbean Island, Man Who Dealt Michael K. Williams Drugs Before His Death Pleads Guilty, Iowa Teens Plead Guilty to Murdering Spanish Teacher with Bat Over Bad Grade, Minn. Man Tried to Stab Girlfriend During Domestic Abuse Incident, But Missed & Killed Her Son, 13, Instead, Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to $10,000 Murder-for-Hire Plot to Kill His Wife, Salt Life Founder Pleads Guilty After Killing 18-Year-Old Girlfriend While They Were 'Playing' with Gun, Former NBA Star Keith Appling Reportedly Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Aiden Fucci Pleads Guilty to Murder for Stabbing 13-Year-Old Cheerleader Tristyn Bailey 114 Times, Texas Woman Accused of Strangling Best Friend, Then Stealing Her Newborn Girl Expected to Plead Guilty, Gunman Who Killed 23 People at a Texas Walmart in 2019 Pleads Guilty to Dozens of Charges, Alaska Teen Killed 'Best Friend' After Man Online Allegedly Offered $9M for Videos of Murder in Catfish Scheme, Calif. SHe is an opportunistic, lying piece of crap in my view! In March 2009, Casto, 23, was hiking with Nichols on a trail in the Columbia River Gorge when she fell 100 feet to her death. I look forward to that day.. Peter Van Sant: This Rhonda sounds like somebody who doesn't care much at all about you. He has portrayed Steve "Patch" Johnson on NBC's Days of Our Lives on and off since 1985. First published on March 17, 2018 / 11:34 PM.

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