Man Accused of Stabbing Elderly Couple to Death in Brawley In 2023, Set to Begin Trial July 15th
Brandon Hamlin, 26, 2023 - Imperial County Sheriff's Office, Photo
Brawley CA - A man initially set for sentencing in a Brawley double homicide case will now face trial after reversing his plea.
Brandon Hamlin, 26, had previously entered a no contest plea to four felony charges—two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of robbery—in connection with the April 2023 stabbing deaths of 78-year-old Elia Castro and 84-year-old Rigoberto Castro
Brandon Hamlin, 26, is facing multiple felony charges stemming from the April 2023 stabbing deaths of 78-year-old Elia Castro and 84-year-old Rigoberto Castro in Brawley. The couple was found murdered in their Brawley home, with authorities alleging they were stabbed multiple times during a robbery.
Elia Castro (left) and Rigoberto Castro (right), the elderly couple who were fatally stabbed in their Brawley home in April 2023.- mperial Valley Press Online Obituaries, Photo
Last month, Hamlin had entered a no contest plea to four charges—two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of robbery. A sentencing date had been expected to follow.
However, during a recent court appearance, Hamlin withdrew his previous plea and entered a not guilty plea to all charges. As a result, the case will now proceed to trial.
The trial is scheduled to begin on July 15. If convicted, Hamlin could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Court records have not indicated the reason behind the change in plea. The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office has not commented publicly on the development.
Further updates will be provided as the trial date approaches.
Some information in this article was sourced from KYMA news.