Jacqueline Marie Castel, a 54-year-old woman from Flinton, Pennsylvania, tragically passed away on June 26, 2021, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She was a U.S. Army veteran with over 22 years of service, having served in various locations, including the United States Embassies in the Philippines, Moldova, and Germany. After her military career, she worked at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., and the Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
On the day of her
death, Jacqueline was found unresponsive in a hotel room at the Quality Inn on South Hughes Boulevard in Elizabeth City. She had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Sentara Albemarle Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but unfortunately, she did not survive. The Elizabeth City Police Department launched an investigation into her death.
The investigation led to the arrest of John Randall Landry, a 52-year-old man from Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Landry was charged with murder in connection with Jacqueline's death. He was also served with a fugitive warrant out of Fauquier, Virginia. Landry was held without bond on the murder charge and given a $100,000 bond on the fugitive warrant. His first court appearance was scheduled for June 29, 2021.
The case remains under active investigation, and the Elizabeth City Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The community continues to mourn the loss of Jacqueline Marie Castel, who is remembered for her dedication to her country and her love for her family and pets.
Jacqueline's funeral services were held on July 9, 2021, at the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home in Portage, Pennsylvania, with military honors provided by local veterans organizations. Her family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation or Happy Paws Happy Homes in her name.
Jacqueline Marie Castel's death has left a lasting impact on her loved ones and the community, and the ongoing investigation seeks to bring justice for her tragic passing.
