California Man Receives 26-Year-to-Life Sentence for Samurai Sword Beheading of Mother of His Child
Feb 06, 12:00 AM
Jose Rafael "Rafa" Solano Landaeta, 34, learned his fate this week as he was sentenced on Tuesday to 26 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the shocking samurai sword beheading of Karina Castro, 27, the mother of his child. The brutal incident occurred on September 8, 2022, at the intersection of Laurel Street and Magnolia Avenue in San Carlos.
Castro's grandmother, devastated by the tragedy, labeled Landaeta as a "monster" and "the worst kind of evil.” Expressing dissatisfaction with the sentence, the victim's father, Martin Castro Jr., said, "That’s exactly how I felt. It’s not enough. California is insane as far as that goes. I don’t understand. If he used a gun, he could get life without parole. He butchered her … and they’re giving him a light sentence because he didn’t use a gun."
During the sentencing, Judge Lisa Novak sternly rebuked the defendant, stating, "This is by far the most difficult trial I’ve ever presided over because of the horror of the crime you committed in butchering Karina Castro."
Solano's defense attorney argued that the killing was an act of self-defense and attributed it to mental health issues, claiming that Solano had not been taking medication for chronic paranoid schizophrenia. The defense's plea was not accepted, and Solano was found guilty in November of first-degree murder by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
The shocking daytime slaughter unfolded in the suburb of San Carlos, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. Solano, who never denied the act, defended his actions in an interview from jail, claiming he feared for his life because Castro had grabbed a weapon on the day of the incident.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed an escalating animosity between Solano and Castro in the days leading up to the attack, with their relationship characterized as toxic. Private social media messages showed Castro accusing Solano of being a pedophile and a rapist, to which Solano responded with ninja emojis bearing swords.
The prosecution argued that Solano planned the sword attack meticulously, informing his boss that he was sick, leaving work early, retrieving the sword from his home, revealing his intentions to a friend, and then confronting Castro.
Prosecutor Josh Stauffer emphasized, "There is no credible evidence that the defendant suffered from any mental health condition on the day of the crime."
Medical professionals testified that Solano's mental health issues were not linked to the brutal killing. Witnesses described a vicious and cruel crime, with Solano striking Castro multiple times, severing her arm, and almost beheading her. Despite claims of self-defense, no evidence was presented to support Solano's version of events.
The tragic incident occurred in broad daylight with witnesses observing a verbal altercation between Solano and Castro. The victim's two children, one of whom is also Solano's daughter, were present but later moved to safety.
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Castro's grandmother, devastated by the tragedy, labeled Landaeta as a "monster" and "the worst kind of evil.” Expressing dissatisfaction with the sentence, the victim's father, Martin Castro Jr., said, "That’s exactly how I felt. It’s not enough. California is insane as far as that goes. I don’t understand. If he used a gun, he could get life without parole. He butchered her … and they’re giving him a light sentence because he didn’t use a gun."
During the sentencing, Judge Lisa Novak sternly rebuked the defendant, stating, "This is by far the most difficult trial I’ve ever presided over because of the horror of the crime you committed in butchering Karina Castro."
Solano's defense attorney argued that the killing was an act of self-defense and attributed it to mental health issues, claiming that Solano had not been taking medication for chronic paranoid schizophrenia. The defense's plea was not accepted, and Solano was found guilty in November of first-degree murder by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
The shocking daytime slaughter unfolded in the suburb of San Carlos, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. Solano, who never denied the act, defended his actions in an interview from jail, claiming he feared for his life because Castro had grabbed a weapon on the day of the incident.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed an escalating animosity between Solano and Castro in the days leading up to the attack, with their relationship characterized as toxic. Private social media messages showed Castro accusing Solano of being a pedophile and a rapist, to which Solano responded with ninja emojis bearing swords.
The prosecution argued that Solano planned the sword attack meticulously, informing his boss that he was sick, leaving work early, retrieving the sword from his home, revealing his intentions to a friend, and then confronting Castro.
Prosecutor Josh Stauffer emphasized, "There is no credible evidence that the defendant suffered from any mental health condition on the day of the crime."
Medical professionals testified that Solano's mental health issues were not linked to the brutal killing. Witnesses described a vicious and cruel crime, with Solano striking Castro multiple times, severing her arm, and almost beheading her. Despite claims of self-defense, no evidence was presented to support Solano's version of events.
The tragic incident occurred in broad daylight with witnesses observing a verbal altercation between Solano and Castro. The victim's two children, one of whom is also Solano's daughter, were present but later moved to safety.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com