An Indiana man wanted for the murder of his grandmother in November has been captured in a tiny south Georgia town.
Bernice Eubank, 72, was found stabbed to death at her home in rural Huntington County on November 13 after family members said they hadn’t heard from her in a few days. The next day, they issued a warrant for the arrest of 37-year-old Anthony Castleman for her murder, WPTA reported.
Eubank’s body was found near a small barn, beneath some carpet and pieces of lattice. Police also found a wallet containing cards with Castleman’s name.
A cousin told police that Castleman came by his house — in Eubank’s car and using her cell phone — and asked for bleach to help clean up a mess.
Castleman’s cousin told police Castleman went to his house on Saturday and asked for bleach and help cleaning up a mess, suggesting he will be “going to prison for a long time.” He said Castleman arrived in Eubanks’s car and was using her cellphone. The cousin said he later called and said he was in Lexington, Kentucky.
Rochelle, Georgia, Police Chief Jimmy Banks told WPTA he noticed an unfamiliar man living on the street in town around Christmas.
“I try to talk to people I don’t know,” Banks said. “I swore an oath to serve and protect and I just wanted to know who he was, why he was here, and what his intentions were. I take my job very seriously but he just wouldn’t talk to me.”
He told the chief his name as “Joseph Phillips,” Banks said.
An officer went to talk with him, Banks said, and turned on her body camera for the conversation.
“His hair was longer and he was wearing his hair over his face,” Banks said. “He wore a camouflage hat. It was clear he didn’t want us to see who he was.”
Banks said he’s seen an image of Castleman sent out by the Huntington County Sheriff’s Office, but “Phillips” didn’t quite match. He called the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office and sent them his officer’s video, and they passed it on the US Marshals fugitive task force, which believed the man was their fugitive.
The three agencies worked together and took Castleman into custody at a convenience store. He insisted his name was Phillips and accused the police of “violating his rights,” but marshals ultimately identified him by his distinctive tattoos.
“There was no doubt at that point it was definitely him,” Banks said. “But my first thought was I wish what happened (in Indiana) wouldn’t have happened.”
Huntington County Prosecutor Jeremy Nix said Castleman has refused to waive an extradition hearing, so his office is working with Indiana Gove. Eric Holcomb’s office on an extradition warrant.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Anthony Castleman, left/Huntington County Sheriff’s Office and right/Crisp County Jail; center Bernice Eubank/obituary photo]
