Wednesday, July 12, 2023–7:07 p.m.

-Paulding County Sheriff’s Office-

The suspect in the murder of a Rome teen in Paulding County last month has turned himself in.

According to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office:

Devon Michael Gandy turned himself in at the Paulding Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.

On Saturday, June 24, Paulding E911 received multiple calls from individuals in the Nebo Ridge Estates mobile home community in reference to 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 in Hiram.

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 was identified as Katherine Maline Castillo-Martinez of Rome.

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, Detectives secured warrants for the arrest of Gandy who lives in Dallas for the murder of Castillo-Martinez. The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force along with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Warrants/Civil Division helped facilitate Gandy peacefully turning himself in.

It must be noted that Gandy does have an identical twin brother that was not involved in this incident. Gandy is currently being held in the Paulding County Jail with no bond.

As this investigation unfolds, more suspects and charges are likely to be developed. Detectives, Deputies, and Marshals are encouraging anyone who may have any information about this incident 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. Remember, all tips can remain anonymous.