By SYDNEY KENT
The lengthy process of extradition continues for the Markle man accused of murdering his 72-year-old grandmother in her home late last year.
Anthony Castleman, 37, refused to waive extradition and return to Indiana by his own volition. Because of this, a trail of paperwork must make its way from the Huntington County prosecutor, to the Indiana Attorney General and the Georgia governor. Once both officials approve the paperwork, a warrant will be issued to the Crisp County Jail for Castleman’s return to the state.
This is according to Josh DeFonce, a media representative with the Office of the Attorney General. DeFonce confirmed that the necessary paperwork has arrived at their office, however, it is not yet clear if Georgia has received the request.
Huntington County Sheriff Chris Newton confirmed the department is well prepared to bring Castleman home to face his reported charges.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a warrant was issued for Castleman’s arrest in late November after local authorities discovered the body of his grandmother, Bernice “Dianna” Eubank. Castleman allegedly left the state following the her death.
Over a month later, Castleman was taken into custody in a small town in Rochelle, Georgia, according to a press release from the Rochelle Police Department. His arrest was the result of nearly a dozen state and local agencies working in tandem.
Rochelle Chief of Police Jimmy Banks told The News-Banner he first encountered Castleman on Christmas Day outside of a popular gas station. In an effort to get to know the people in town, particularly on a holiday, Banks approached him.
“He absolutely refused to acknowledge my presence,” Banks said. “I’ve been doing this for 26 years. I knew something seemed amiss with him, but he would not talk to me.”
Banks said Castleman’s initial reaction further compelled him to believe he could be a subject that was wanted or hiding. He contacted a female officer with the department, Misty Eno, and asked her to approach the man. Banks believed she could have better luck.
Eno reportedly took video footage and photos of Castleman through her body camera while she attempted to speak with him. Banks then sent the footage to detectives in Indiana, who confirmed Castleman’s identity.
“Not even a few minutes after that, the sheriff made contact with me,” Banks continued. “(Castleman) sat in front of a small store in town. We’re a small community — but it gets busy. Our first thought was to do this in a safe manner so no more innocent people were hurt.”
Banks recounted that during the arrest, Castleman insisted he was someone else and gave officials a false name. His appearance was significantly different from the mugshot shared on social media as authorities attempted to locate his whereabouts. Ultimately, three matching tattoos led detectives to believe he was the suspect wanted for murder.
“If it was not handled by every agency, exactly the way it was,” Banks concluded, “he would have gotten away. Everyone went above and beyond the call of duty, both here and those in Indiana.”
sydney@news-banner.com
