By HOLLY GASKILL
Over one week has passed since police filed a warrant for the arrest of a Markle man suspected of murder, and the Huntington County Sheriff’s Department is escalating their search.
Law enforcement is now offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest of Anthony Castleman, 37. He is suspected of murdering his 72-year-old grandmother, Bernice “Dianna” Eubank, whom he lived with at the time. Court documents state the woman was found partially clothed and hidden under items in her backyard in Markle, apparently with “numerous stab wounds” and a head wound.
Billboards will also be placed throughout Indiana and surrounding states with a photo of Castleman’s face, his wanted status and the reward. As of print, no arrest has been made.
Sheriff Chris Newton told The News-Banner Castleman has contacts in Bluffton and Wells County who may be withholding information or assisting in his evasion of arrest. Castleman has lived throughout Wells and previously arrested multiple times within the county.
The probable cause affidavit for the warrant stated Castleman’s cousin, David Watson, told investigators Castleman had called on Nov. 12 — one day after the murder — reportedly in Kentucky. However, given the time passed, Newton believes Castleman may have continued traveling, potentially returning closer to the area.
“Right now he’s wasting time and resources,” Newton stated. “And there’s a family that needs answers.”
Castleman is described as being approximately 5 ft. 10 in. and 160 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a criminal history that spans nearly two decades, including multiple charges related to domestic violence, resisting law enforcement, and drugs and alcohol.
The HCSD has instructed individuals not to approach Castleman in public, and instead contact 911, Huntington County detectives Captain Malcom Jones and Dylan Lagonegro, or Indiana State Police Det. Matt Teusch.
The investigation is being primarily handled by Huntington County, with the help of the city of Huntington’s police department, Indiana State Police and U.S. Marshals.
holly@news-banner.com
