Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that Melissa Castle, (age 35), of Portsmouth, pleaded guilty in Newport County Superior Court today before Justice Stephen P. Nugent to one count of second degree murder for the death of Rachael S. Kilroy, of Middletown. Under the terms of the plea, which was reached with the approval of the victim's family, Castle was sentenced to 50 years with 35 years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that on August 25, 2015, Melissa Castle used her hands to strangle Rachael Kilroy after the two had an argument inside the apartment where Kilroy lived at 50 Jean Street in Middletown. When being interviewed by detectives at the Middletown Police Department, the defendant admitted to strangling Kilroy.
"An argument between friends turned violent, resulting in the tragic death of a daughter, mother, and sister," said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. "Rachael's family misses her deeply every day, and it is my sincere hope that today's plea will aid them in the healing process of losing a loved one."
Middletown Police Detective Adam Tobias and Lieutenant Richard Gamache led the investigation, and Assistant Attorney General Roger Demers prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.