June 28th, 2023 – 2:45 PM
Staff Reports –
Paulding Sheriff’s Detectives are actively investigating a murder that took place in a Paulding County mobile home community this past Saturday morning.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 9:02 AM Paulding E911 received multiple calls from individuals in the Nebo Ridge Estates mobile home community referencing numerous gunshots being fired in the area. Eventually, authorities received a call indicating that someone had been shot at one of the mobile homes.
When Deputies arrived, they were able to determine that the incident took place inside the mobile home which is located at 61 Barbee Path Lot 36 Hiram, GA 30141. Once Deputies were finally able to determine the incident location, they discovered a female patient with gunshot wounds inside the mobile home. The female victim, who was initially treated on scene by Deputies and Fire/EMS personnel, was quickly taken to a local hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Katherine Maline Castillo-Martinez of Rome, GA.
Through the course of their investigation, Detectives were able to determine that some type of dispute occurred between multiple individuals at the mobile home that morning. Although the investigation is still in its infancy, Detectives were able to determine that several parties were present and involved in the dispute.
As a result of their investigation thus far, Detectives have secured warrants for the arrest of Devon Michael Gandy (B/M, 19 YOA) of Dallas, GA for the murder of Castillo-Martinez. The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) along with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Warrants/Civil Division are actively looking for Gandy.
It must be noted that Gandy does have an identical twin brother that was not involved in this incident. Gandy is considered to be armed and dangerous by authorities and should not be confronted.
As this investigation unfolds, more suspects and charges are likely to be developed. Detectives, Deputies, and Marshals are encouraging anyone who may have information regarding Gandy’s whereabouts, or any information about this incident itself to come forward immediately. Tipsters can call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Tip Line at (770) 443-3047 or send a message via the free Paulding Sheriff mobile app. All tips can remain anonymous.
Visitation for friends and family of Katherine Maline Castillo-Martinez will be held at Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal M.I. on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held the next day at the same location on Monday, July 3rd at 2:00 PM, followed by Interment at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.
