Young Mother Beheaded In NorCal; Local Leaders Express Condolences

SAN CARLOS, CA — A young San Carlos mother of two was reportedly beheaded with a sword by her ex-boyfriend on Thursday.

San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell was joined by the City Council Friday in expressing their "deepest condolences" to the two young children of 27-year-old Karina Castro.

"Yesterday, our community was shocked by the tragic murder of a young mother in our community. Thanks to the quick reaction by neighbors calling 911, San Carlos deputies were able to quickly respond and immediately take a suspect into custody. It appears the victim and the suspect knew each other."

"The City Council and its employees join our community in expressing our deepest condolences to the two young children who lost their mother in this horrific and senseless act of violence and to all the victims' family, friends, and loved ones who suffer this loss as well."

The identity of the Menlo-Atherton High School graduate was first reported by ABC7.

The suspect in Castro's killing has been identified as 33-year-old Jose Rafael Solano Landaeta according to jail records, The San Francisco Chronicle reported. Landaeta and Castro had been involved in a relationship, but she had a restraining order against him, ABC 7 reported.

Castro is the mother of Landaeta’s 1-year-old daughter, KRON4 reported.

The crime occurred outside the victim’s apartment on Magnolia Avenue and Laurel Street in San Carlos in broad daylight late Thursday morning.

Sheriff’s Office Lt. Eamonn Allen told reporters Thursday that a “stabbing instrument was used” and that responding deputies found the victim “obviously deceased.”

The city of San Carlos and the Community Foundation are partnering to accept and hold in trust donations for the future benefit of the victim's children. 100 percent of all donations will go to the victim's children. Anyone interested in making such a gift may visit this page.

"As we mourn together and process this event as a community, please remember to take care of yourself, and to check in on your neighbors and loved ones. There is no doubt that the resilience and heart of the City of Good Living will shine through the darkness of this tragedy."