Man Accused of Killing Wife Held in Mexico

A former high school teacher accused of killing his wife and leaving their two children at home for nearly two weeks with her body was arrested Friday in Mexico, police said.

Police said Robert Castorena, 38, was arrested at an apartment in San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, about 140 miles from Mexico City.

Castorena “had been staying at this location since shortly after the murder,” according to a written statement issued by the Sacramento Police Department. Officials said earlier that Castorena often went to Mexico on business and pleasure trips.

He is accused of murder and assault in connection with the slaying of his wife, Janice Castorena, 38, who was stabbed and bludgeoned between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 at the couple’s South Land Park home.

The former high school teacher is accused of killing his wife and threatening their 8-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter at knifepoint. He fled shortly after the slaying.

Apparently afraid to contact authorities, the two children remained in the house, feeding and taking care of themselves for nearly two weeks after Robert Castorena left.

Police were finally led to the house after the boy was arrested for shoplifting at a nearby supermarket and told authorities he was afraid that his mother had been injured or killed.

Police say the children never saw their mother’s body, which was in a closed bedroom.