Portsmouth Woman Pleads Guilty To Murder: AG

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Melissa Castle pleaded guilty to murder in Newport County Superior Court today. She was sentenced to 50 years, 35 to serve in prison, and will be on probation 15 years after her release, Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin said. Castle was charged one count of second degree murder for strangling Rachael S. Kilroy, of Middletown, on Aug. 25, 2015. The two had an argument in Kilroy's apartment.

“An argument between friends turned violent, resulting in the tragic death of a daughter, mother, and sister,” Kilmartin said. “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.