Puzzled Deputies Ponder Relationship In Murder/Suicide

"FANNING SPRINGS, FL — A murder/suicide Tuesday in Fanning Springs remains under investigation as the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is trying to learn why a man killed a woman who authorities say was like a mother figure to him.

"Killed was Genoveva Magnolia Recinos Castillo, 46. Authorities believe she was killed by Arturo Ranferi Zacarias, 26, who then killed himself, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

"`We are trying to figure out what the motive was to cause that man to react in that violent fashion,` Lt. Scott Tummond said. `He viewed her as a mother figure. Something catastrophic occurred. We’re trying to filter through and figure out what caused him to act like that.`

"The incident occurred at 7491 NW 168th Lane. A frantic juvenile reported to 911 that someone had killed her mother, Tummond said.

"Deputies who arrived a short time later found Castillo’s body in the living room. A large injury to her neck was plainly visible.

"Within minutes, Zacarias’ body was found in a room of his home across the street. Zacarias appeared to have died from self-inflicted wounds, Tummond said.

"Statements taken from friends of the families said that Zacarias viewed Castillo as a mother figure, having lost his mother some years before, Tummond said."

From gainesville.com...