Bryan Castillo, 19, from North Carolina, is jailed without bond on second-degree murder for killing Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy Kaleb Mitchell (24) in a high-speed crash. Upgraded from misdemeanors like death by vehicle due to “malice”—driving 100+ mph in a 55 mph zone.
Incident Breakdown
- When/Where: Saturday afternoon on Walnut Cove Road, Walkertown (near Winston-Salem).
- What Happened: Castillo’s Chevy pickup crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision with Mitchell’s southbound vehicle.
- Outcome: Mitchell rushed to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, pronounced dead. Warrants cite speed as proximate cause; no detailed crash narrative yet.
Legal and Community Impact
- Charges: Second-degree murder (felony, possible life without parole); initial reckless driving, speeding, driving left of center.
- Prosecutor View: DA Jim O’Neill calls 100 mph an “abandonment of social obligation,” treating Castillo like any defendant despite victim’s deputy status.
- Victim: Mitchell joined law enforcement in 2022, Forsyth County since spring 2025. Leaves wife, son, unborn daughter.
- Next Court: March 19; held in Forsyth County Detention Center.
Devastating loss for the community—speed like that turns roads into roulette. Sheriff nailed it: a family shattered. Any interest in NC traffic fatality stats or deputy memorials?
