Trial begins for man accused of dismembering San Antonio woman back in 2020

Opening statements were heard Wednesday morning as the trial began for a man accused of dismembering a woman back in 2020.

Rafael Castillo is facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of Nicole Perry.

According to the indictment, on Nov. 19 Castillo allegedly killed Perry by striking her with an ax and dismembering her hands.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Castillo killed Perry in front of her fiancé, who told authorities that he was “forced to clean up the scene under duress and he was scared for his life.”

Perry’s body, which was wrapped inside a black trash bag, was found by a Public Works Department crew assigned to clean up trash in the area near the 9200 block of South W.W. White Road.

Castillo is currently out on bond and if found guilty could face up to life in prison.

Related:

Affidavit: Man dismembered woman while she was still alive, forced her fiance to clean the sceneHuman remains found on side of road in Southeast Bexar County, sheriff says