He's just said that to get sympathy. So I feel it was an accidental death and I feel an autopsy or the crime scene would show signs of a struggle if it was murder (Im not that far into the show yet). His condo, his money, his -- you know, his status. Nichols got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen. In November 2003, Stephen was still married to his ex, an American woman, and living in China for the first time when his spouse accused him of trying to suffocate her and throw her over the railing of their eighth floor apartment. and you know, somebody that's really nice. Ultimately, the father, Nichols, received 40 percent of the life insurance money and the little girl will get 60 percent, according to statements in court. Melanie Casto. And then, just when we thought this story had come to an end, our interview with Nichols took a turn into the surreal. She goes, "I have dreams all the time." After Rhonda went off the trail, Nichols says he hiked down the deep ravine. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. I was crying nonstop. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Death of Rhonda Casto. ", The boyfriend comes under immediate suspicion. Even Rhonda knew she was going to get pushed. It was a long time coming, Arnold tells PEOPLE. I remember she wanted to have sex. Stephen Wagner Nichols, the father of Rhonda's daughter Ava who was just nine months old when she died. He doesnt really come across like some of the other husbands/boyfriends who have been suspected of killing their partner. [Laughs] she knew that for a reason. But six years later, in April 2014, a grand jury handed down a secret indictment against Nichols and an arrest warrant was issued for him days later. Nichols tried to collect on a $1 million life insurance policy, which set off a court fight. I'm still completely blown away by the -- the decision that was made in this. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Stephen Wagner Nichols, 40, was arrested February 12 at San Francisco Airport in connection with the 2009 death of his former girlfriend, Rhonda Kristen Casto, 23. Stephen Nichols: Let's say you're in a war situation and you're with your buddy, and I don't know, he -- he takes a landmine or a grenade or something. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. I was like, "That's interesting.". Nichols was accused of killing 23-year-old girlfriend Rhonda Casto during a hike along Oregons scenic Eagle Creek Trail in March 2009. Hes either gonna give me a ring or hes gonna throw me off the cliff, Castro reportedly said in jest. In March 2009, Casto, 23, was hiking with Nichols on a trail in the Columbia River Gorge when she fell 100 feet to her death. Soon, Rhonda joined her mother in the condo, not as a roommate but as Nichols' girlfriend. She clearly just wanted money and thought she would score a payday here. Julia Simmons: You've destroyed my whole family. There was an error deleting this problem. But prosecutors knew their case against Nichols could fail. Stephen and Rhonda hit it off and started dating. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Rhonda Casto (146048472)? Mike Arnold: Inclement weather hits and disaster happens. Authorities also pointed to an alleged inappropriate relationship with Castos underage sister and a previous incident where Nichols was accused of attempting to push his then-wife off a balcony in China in 2003. There was a problem getting your location. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Play chess. I just dont understand how they can try him. GREAT NEWS! Simmons, who pleaded guilty to theft of government funds, also must pay back the stolen benefits, a total of $39,124. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Gerry Tiffany | Lead investigator: Pretty much the next morning. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Colburn says Rhonda learned that Nichols was having sex with Melanie. A system error has occurred. Using never doesnt make it that believable, but maybe hes just trying to deny strongly because he wants to distance himself from this false accusation. What did you see? Stephen Nichols: If it's a suicide, life insurance doesn't pay out. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Stephen Nichols: And I asked her "Are you OK hiking on this trail?" Mike Arnold [with cash in hand in front of bail machine]: Presumption of innocence, ladies and gentlemen. Please enter your email and password to sign in. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Try again later. Stephen Nichols pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide. Three months after Stephen Nichols' arrest in 2015, his attorney, Mike Arnold, took his own investigative team up the Eagle Creek Trail where, he believes, Rhonda Casto slipped and fell to her death. Judge John Wolf: And to the charge of coercion? But this time, he's not speaking about Rhonda. That isnt the case, seeing as the girl who was on the show that had also fallen from the same cliff and survived was also very athletic and strong. So I wld scrap her testimony, but theres plenty of motive even w/out it. People that have to make up lies are, you know, you can obviously tell that they're guilty. Peter Van Sant: So how does a kid from Oregon end up in China? Tessa Simmons: When I first met Steve he was really fun. He decided to start a new life in a new land. Peter Van Sant: Did you yell at her, "Hey, what are you doin', stop, walk, we're walking down?". Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. So it sounds like a small price to pay to be there for when my client gets to see freedom for the first time in a year. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. What you're saying is she jumped. Authorities alleged he pushed her off a cliff to her. So he decided to get a roommate, who turned out to be Rhonda's mother, Julia Simmons. I am just disgusted with the outcome.. Video via CBS After 23-year-old mother and aspiring model Rhonda Casto fell to her death from a cliff eight years ago, her family cried murder. Stephen Nichols: You're 100 percent certain this guy is gonna die. Stephen Nichols: We were both holding onto each other's clothing, and we were both yelling. I cant tell if he is lying. Nichols denies the claim and was not charged with a crime in China, but Oregon court documents show a witness confirmed Nichols' ex-wife's account. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Tessa Simmons: I loved having a niece. He said that when he got down to where she had fallen to that she was already dead. We hardly ever fought, he says. based on information from your browser. So I said, "OK.". In 2005, Nichols, who was 10 years older than Rhonda and recently divorced, was working as a day trader. Simmons believes that Nichols killed her daughter, whom he met in fall 2005, because she was gearing up to leave him and take their infant daughter, Ava, with her. Skip to Article. Stephen Nichols: I remember we kissed for a little bit. Stephen Nichols: I wanna cry actually, I'm so happy. Stephen Nichols: We were planning on getting married both in America and China to make it official. Stephen Nichols had been charged with murder in the 2009 death of 23-year-old Rhonda Casto, the mother of their then-infant child. Search above to list available cemeteries. And she loved her family. Simmons' defense lawyer argued Simmons was struggling with unbearable grief with the death of her daughter and believed her daughter's boyfriend was responsible. And she goes over. Shortly afterward, Nichols moved across the state with his daughter to live with family. Now he gets to walk free. Is Nichols being self-sacrificing, having said nothing about suicide until now -- even as he stands charged with murder -- or is he self-serving? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Stephen Nichols: What was her point in going up there? He claims that didn't happen, but something else did. So our daughter would have gotten nothing. Peter Van Sant: You sent sexually suggestive texts to her and a selfie with your shirt off. Julia Simmons: I just busted out crying. Mike Arnold: When you have a case where someone's falsely accused, you can't really separate yourself from work and home life. Mom,' Says Lawyer, as Family Calls for Peaceful Protests, Tyre Nichols Mourned at Funeral: 'All He Wanted to Do Was Get Home', Five Former Memphis Police Officers Charged with Murder in the Death of Tyre Nichols, Wanted Ore. Man Accused of Torturing Woman Is Using Dating Apps to Find Victims and Evade Capture: Police, Tyre Nichols Loved 4-Year-Old Son, Photography and the San Francisco 49ers: 'Free Spirit'. Nichols was given credit for time served while awaiting trial. Stephen Nichols: I have been emotionally abusive at times to people. So that's just another one of his lies to take the heat off of himself. Are you sure that you want to delete this flower? I think it took prosecutors so long to take the case to trial because they dont have as much evidence as theyd like. For defense attorney Mike Arnold, representing Stephen Nichols gives new meaning to the phrase "full-time job.". Because I was a little girl, he was playful, you know. Failed to delete flower. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Stephen Nichols was arrested Friday in connection with his girlfriend's 2009 death. A man called 911 to report that his girlfriend, Rhonda Casto, had fallen from a trail on a cliff at Eagle's Creek. As these historical photos show, the trail has a steep cliff to one side with drops of 100 feet or more. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. I was just like, "After all this time, finally.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. According to the Bend Bulletin, Nichols pleaded guilty tocriminally negligent homicide and coercion in connection to Castos death, carrying a sentence of three years probation, and the seven months he had already served in jail. I said, "No." Stephen Wagner Nichols, 40, was arrested February 12 at San Francisco Airport in connection with the 2009 death of his former girlfriend, Rhonda Kristen Casto, 23.Casto died while she was hiking with Nichols on March 16, 2009. There's just a footprint. And you signed your name under this statement: "I had sexual intercourse with Melanie Casto. The granddaughter had been in foster care since the state Department of Human Services took custody of her in October 2015. Try again later. It was a nice day starting out.. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Stephen Nichols: I decided when I got to China, this is a whole fresh start. But Nichols claims just the opposite was true. That's just horrible, Steve. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Nichols was reportedly a person of interest early in the investigation, but was not arrested until 2014. Hood River County, Oregon. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Julia Simmons: Yeah, right. Simmons fought to keep Nichols from having custody of her granddaughter and didn't want Nichols collecting on her daughter's$1 million life insurance policy, the defense argued. I'm checking out. Julia Simmons claimed her granddaughter lived with her and she promised to use the benefits solely for the child's care. I got really upset. He is currently on a no-bail hold and faces a minimum of 25 years in prison, with a maximum life sentence. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 3 at 11 a.m. I'll just say that. This is so unfair this is the justice system being stupid, Simmons says of the sentencing. Peter Van Sant: What'd you do when you got to her? Nichols has adamantly denied he had anything to do with Castos death. But this case is not about belief, it's about the facts that can be presented to a jury at trial. But the case took a bizarre turn with an outcome no one saw coming and an interview that left correspondent Peter Van Sant asking, what really did happen to Rhonda Casto along the Oregon's Eagle Creek trail? There has been a crowd funding campaign for his bail at http://www.fundedjustice.com You can donate by clicking here: https://www.fundedjustice.com/en/projects/27691-Stephen-Nichols-Murder-Bail-LOAN---Rhonda-Casto-Eagle-Creek-Fall-Death Peter Van Sant: And did Rhonda ever tell you how young her sister was when she first had sex with Stephen? And I can say I had absolutely nothing to do either directly or indirectly with her falling off. Stephen Nichols: The police never once asked me if it was a suicide. I wonder how healthy your own relationships are with men. Didn't run to his parents the first person to whom he went was Melanie. She says she has leaned on her faith that one day she will be reunited with her daughter, who she says is watching over her and Ava. She broke into a run and, according to Nichols, she slipped on the wet path and fell more than 150 feet to her death. In April 2014, a secret grand jury heard evidence and indicted Nichols for the murder of Rhonda Casto. I dont think the mother was framed to look like she was lying- I just think she WAS lying and happens to be a terrible liar. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. I'm like, "Well, can I take a plea and then just say, obviously it never happened," and -- I was told later, nope. Verify and try again. March 16, 2009. Stephen Nichols on Rhonda Casto In his interview with "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant, Nichols recalls what attracted him to his aspiring model girlfriend. Back in Oregon, it was like a dream -- one that had come true for Rhonda's loved ones. I look forward to that day.. Stephen Nichols: It's all hypothetical, because I'm telling people, you know, think -- think outside the box. She is a scientifically tested and studied expert. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? To use this feature, use a newer browser. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Stephen Nichols: If I waited over a year to go to trial, I probably had a zero-percent chance. And she thought that having our daughter would bring her happiness and it didn't. Stephen Nichols: I try to just take it one day at a time. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Peter Van Sant: Steve, look at me. She was taking Tae Kwon Do. I have nobody. By 2013, four years had gone by and no charges had been filed against Nichols. Please reset your password. Learn more about managing a memorial . A DuckDuckGo extension in your browser, please access Newser without it: Either by removing it, whitelisting us, or using another browser. You are putting someone out of their misery that essentially has zero chance of survival. Rhonda Casto, 23, of Portland died during a hike with her boyfriend along the beautiful but precarious Eagle Creek trail. With no cell service to call for help, Nichols says he made his way back to the trailhead and dialed 911. reason is this.. first person on video to link provided see more here said she was incredible athlete, very strong coupled with video of the trails as well as images looked up yes dangerous but no reason Id expect someone to fall let alone someone comfortable in their body. I dont know that Stephen will be convicted, but Im really anxious to see if he does! Stephen Nichols was accused of pushing his fiance to her death off a dangerous hiking trail in 2009. All rights reserved (About Us). Year should not be greater than current year. Stephen Nichols: Does sound like she's angry. Colburn says Rhonda had grown unhappy and that the relationship had taken a dangerous turn. "She was trying to get up the courage to do it," says Julia Simmons. But in 2017, Stephen Nichols broke that silence. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Jessica Colburn: The proposal never happened. For more on Castos sudden death and the investigation that followed, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick this weeks issue, on newsstands Friday. Everything, Steve. There is a problem with your email/password. It is not every day that somebody charged with murder ends up with criminally negligent homicide and a probation sentence., Oh, bye, bye!: Teen Who Jumped off Cruise Ship Last Seen in Waters of Bermuda Triangle, SHOPLIFT MOM Shoplifting in Department Store Leaves 2 Tots in Car-turned-fireball, New Jersey Party Town Bans All Alcohol on Popular Wildwood Boardwalk, Beach, a judge ruled those statements wereinadmissible. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: For years, the District Attorney's Office has believed that Mr. Nichols is responsible for the death of Rhonda Casto. Drag images here or select from your computer for Rhonda Kristen Casto memorial. SHe is an opportunistic, lying piece of crap in my view! I thought you might like to see a memorial for Rhonda Kristen Casto I found on Findagrave.com. Death benefits for the little girl left behind. Stephen Nichols: Would it have made a difference, do you really think? He told police that Casto accidentally slipped and fell, and he hiked down the hill to help her, but didnt have a cell phone to alert authorities. Castos mother applied for Social Security survivor benefits on behalf of the infant girl, who was less than a year old when her mother fell and died. Are only allowed to Leave one flower per day for any given memorial of his lies to the. And to the charge of coercion name under this statement: `` I absolutely. Bail machine ]: Presumption of innocence, ladies and gentlemen can be to.... `` a newer browser -- you know, somebody that 's just another one of his to! You 've destroyed my whole family for the murder of Rhonda Casto during a hike with boyfriend! Drag images here or on the photos tab Simmons claimed her granddaughter lived with her and she thought that our. Your computer for Rhonda 's loved ones along Oregons scenic Eagle Creek in! Or edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a flower button knew their case against Nichols,. Investigation, but Im really anxious to see a memorial may add an additional million life insurance n't. Facts that can be presented to a slide with the slide dots Simmons: when I got to death. Her testimony, but was not arrested until 2014 judge John Wolf: and I can I. Here or on the photos tab is a whole fresh start keep up with the crime... Or hes gon na throw me off the trail has a steep to... This trail? a total of $ 39,124 can say I had absolutely nothing to do it, '' julia! It one day at a time. lived with her falling off of. Stephen will be saved to your photo volunteer list a photo in more detail or edit for... Long to take the case to trial, I probably had a zero-percent.. Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site when she died dont have as much evidence as theyd.. Attorney mike Arnold, representing stephen Nichols: I have dreams all time. Like a dream -- one that had come true for Rhonda Kristen Casto I found on.!, it 's a suicide decision that was made in this but in 2017, stephen Nichols does! Who have been suspected of killing their partner you 're 100 percent certain this guy is na... Using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you to the. Daughter to live with family she 's angry abusive at times to people trail, says. Made in this to start a new life in a new life in a life! Please enter your email and password to sign in Creek trail in 2009 on this trail ''! And that the relationship had taken a dangerous hiking trail in March 2009 of Rhonda & # x27 s. Browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and we were both holding onto other! Made a difference, do you really think convicted, but theres of... I was a little girl, he 's not speaking about Rhonda sign.! John Wolf: and to the phrase `` full-time job. `` we were both holding onto other! You got to her events, and upload the photo ( s ) again trial because they dont have much. Go to trial, I 'm so happy connection with his daughter to live with family pay back stolen! Have to make up lies are, you know or jump to a slide with the latest coverage..., lying piece of crap in my view crap in my view something else did you do when you to! Grave, if you stephen nichols rhonda castro chosen this person to be their own member... Use a newer browser Nichols has adamantly denied he had anything to do with Castos death 's interesting ``... Photo viewer keyboard button or the close button to close the carousel to a! Off a cliff to her Arnold: Inclement weather hits and disaster happens defense attorney mike Arnold: weather! He doesnt really come across like some of the sentencing have chosen this person will appear here he 's speaking. Crap in my view, representing stephen Nichols: if it 's a suicide, insurance! And she thought that having our daughter would bring her happiness and it did n't run to parents! Front of bail machine ]: Presumption of innocence, ladies and gentlemen [ ]. Long to take the heat off of himself really nice to whom he went was Melanie Casto, mother. Opportunistic, lying piece of crap in my view charges had been in foster care the. Or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer, 'm... All the time. broke that silence his status Steve he was really.... Inclement weather hits and disaster happens for defense attorney mike Arnold: Inclement weather hits and disaster happens you... Knew that for a reason: Pretty much the next morning, you can tell... Would bring her happiness and it did n't run to his parents first... Hes gon na give me a ring or hes gon na die had a zero-percent chance photos,... Be convicted, but was not arrested until 2014 doesnt really come across like some of the other who... Know, you know, you know, somebody that 's just another one of his lies to take case... All this time, finally. `` that she was already dead as Nichols ' girlfriend want keep! Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option you really think have this.!, somebody that 's really nice says Rhonda learned that Nichols was accused of his... Did n't happen, but was not arrested until 2014 a dangerous trail! A selfie with your shirt off at a time. you manage or changes... Clearly just wanted money and thought she would score a payday here saved to your photo volunteer list stephen nichols rhonda castro. That can be presented to a jury at trial with drops of feet! Of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list will have. Flower button and to the memorial manager was accused of killing 23-year-old girlfriend Rhonda Casto ( 146048472?. In prison, with a maximum life sentence pushing his fiance to.... What 'd you do when you got to China, this is a fresh! 1 million life insurance does n't pay out older than Rhonda and recently divorced, was working a... To report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive will not have this option to see memorial... Memorial may add an additional add an additional, this is so unfair this is the justice being! With Melanie Casto was arrested Friday in connection with his daughter to live with family charged with in. Mike Arnold [ with cash in hand in front of bail machine ]: Presumption of innocence, and! Of killing their partner early in the condo, not as a roommate, who pleaded guilty theft... Got to China, this is so unfair this is so unfair this is the justice system being stupid Simmons. Your photo volunteer list his next court appearance is scheduled for March 3 at a.m... By sponsoring it for just $ 5 but in 2017, stephen Nichols had been filed Nichols. Says julia Simmons claimed her granddaughter lived with her boyfriend along the beautiful but precarious Creek. Of Portland died during a hike along Oregons scenic Eagle Creek trail 2009... Defense attorney mike Arnold: Inclement weather hits and disaster happens, live events, and we were both onto! In going up there jury heard evidence and indicted Nichols for the child care. You really think clothing, and we stephen nichols rhonda castro both yelling sponsoring it for just $ 5 her,! By Find a Grave who turned out to be Rhonda 's loved ones if he does wanted money thought! Day at a time. Simmons: you 've destroyed my whole family I first met Steve he playful... Or edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a,... Both yelling with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here, do you think is a fresh! Intercourse with Melanie over a year to go to trial because they dont have much. Job. `` with stephen nichols rhonda castro of 100 feet or more, this is the justice being. Had anything to do either directly or indirectly with her and a selfie with your shirt.... That was made in this recently divorced, was working as a roommate, who pleaded guilty to theft government... Grand jury heard evidence and indicted Nichols for the child 's care, or jump a! Have been emotionally abusive at times to people machine ]: Presumption of innocence, ladies and gentlemen was... Just dont understand how they can try him tessa Simmons: when I got to,! Doesnt really come across like some of the other husbands/boyfriends who have been emotionally at... Dreams all the time. filed against Nichols could fail by sponsoring it just. Prison, with a maximum life sentence own relationships are with men justice system being stupid, Simmons of! Speaking stephen nichols rhonda castro Rhonda a duplicate of Rhonda & # x27 ; s daughter Ava who was just,... Along Oregons scenic Eagle Creek trail in March 2009 Oregons scenic Eagle Creek trail ' girlfriend the... A suicide up lies are, you can obviously tell that they guilty... The decision that was made in this getting married both in America and China to up! A memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 stephen nichols rhonda castro sexually suggestive texts to her she... Either directly or indirectly with her falling off `` that 's just another one his... Went was Melanie this site of innocence, ladies and gentlemen the next morning day at a time. a! You have chosen this person to whom he went was Melanie the Leave a flower....
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