In a tragic turn of events the day after Christmas, 49-year-old Jacqueline Castano, a beloved special education teacher, was found deceased in her Portland, Tennessee, home. The incident, which marked the city's only murder in 2017, unfolded after a distressing 911 call made by her husband.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when 55-year-old Jose Castano contacted police and confessed to killing his wife. When officers arrived at their Hollands Way residence, they found Mr. Castano on the back patio and took him into custody without incident. Inside, they discovered Jacqueline Castano deceased in the master bedroom. A firearm, believed to be the weapon used, was also recovered from the bedroom. During the 911 call, Jose Castano indicated that it was 'too late' to perform CPR on his wife and informed the dispatcher that the gun would be on the dresser.
During a subsequent interview with investigators, Jose Castano admitted to killing his wife following an argument concerning infidelity in their marriage. He was arrested and transported to the Sumner County Jail, where he was charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Jacqueline Castano was a cherished teacher at Madison Creek Elementary School in Goodlettsville. She had also previously worked as a special education teacher at Jennie Rogers Elementary School. Her death was a profound loss felt by her children, students, and the wider community.
