FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. – After nearly 28 years, authorities have arrested Jesse Castillo in connection with the 1997 murder of 13-year-old Anna Pelayo in Pasco. The breakthrough in this long-cold case was made possible by advancements in DNA technology, which linked Castillo and another now-deceased suspect to the crime.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Castillo was taken into custody on Monday morning in Yakima Valley. Investigators matched DNA evidence from Anna’s clothing and a nearby object to Castillo and Jose Silva, who died of an overdose in 2018. Both men were known to be acquaintances of Anna and were considered persons of interest early in the investigation.
Anna was last seen in the early hours of the morning on June 14, 1997, calling for a ride in the parking lot of her family’s apartment complex. Her body was discovered later that morning along Taylor Flats Road and she was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond, who worked the case early in his law enforcement career, expressed relief and determination.
“There were some obstacles… but we just chose to ignore those obstacles and do what’s right for the family and the victim.”
Anna’s family responded with cautious optimism.
“We never gave up hope that this would come to justice. I know we have a long road ahead, but we’re looking forward to finally getting justice for Anna Pelayo,” her sister said.
Castillo is being held at the Franklin County Corrections Facility in Pasco. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 12.
Sheriff Raymond acknowledged the rarity of solving decades-old cold cases and called the development a major step toward closure:
“In this instance, just from getting to be at the right place at the right time… it’s huge.”
