Arrest in cold case after 20 years, Fresno sheriff says. There may be more victims
Detectives have made an arrest connected to multiple alleged rapes and a slaying after more than two decades, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
Investigators said they arrested Robert Castillo, 61, on April 10 on suspicion of the rape and killing of Barbara Lee, whose body was found in a field in 2004. They said DNA evidence played an important role in the arrest.
Investigators accused Castillo of murder, multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and other sex crimes. His bail was set $2.1 million.
Lee, who was also known as Barbara Parker, was 43 when she was found Oct. 31, 2004, in a field near California and Polk avenues, Sheriff John Zanoni said.
Detectives spoke with multiple people who knew her but never developed information on a potential killer, the sheriff’s office said.
Zanoni said his office’s Cold Case Unit Review Board began a new strategic plan in 2024 and used DNA evidence to make the arrest of Castillo. The unit has solved eight other cold cases this year, he said.
The alleged sex crimes of Castillo also include incidents on Oct. 5, 2003, and Sept. 9, 2004, according to Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
She said Castillo could face life in prison or capital punishment, which won’t be determined until after a preliminary hearing. His arraignment was set for Tuesday.
Castillo has a criminal record for felony property crimes that led to stints in prison in the 1980s, 1990s and mid-2000s, according to officials.
Zanoni said he did not believe Castillo and Lee knew each other, and that there may have been more victims.
“We’re just looking for any witness. Maybe over the years, maybe someone has heard something. Maybe they’ve heard a rumor,” he said. “Maybe they’ve heard people talking about different things. As time from an actual crime becomes longer and longer, individuals may start talking because they may think there’s anonymity.”
If anyone has information on the ongoing cases or believes themselves to be a victim, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office asked them to call 559-600-3111.
They can also call Valley Crimes Stoppers at 559-498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Reference case #04-25747.
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 4:28 PM.
