Richardson PD: Missing Car May Lead To Killer
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RICHARDSON (CBSDFW.COM) - Police in Richardson are hoping that a missing car can lead them to a killer. Michael Castagne, 60, described as a local businessman, was found dead Tuesday evening in an industrial park business office. Police have asked the community to be on the lookout for Castagne's 2013 Red Kia Sportage, with Texas License Plate BRR-1445.
Firefighters were initially called to the office park at 500 E. Arapaho after another tenant reported smelling smoke. After following the smoke to Suite 105, firefighters found Castagne dead inside. Richardson police determined that the death was a homicide—the city's first this year. Detectives, meanwhile, were reluctant to release many details.
"We have information that we're not releasing right now because we don't want to jeopardize the investigation," said Detective Adam Perry, Richardson Police Dept. "We don't believe there's a threat to the community—we believe it is an isolated incident."
Other sources tell CBS11 that there was no forced entry to the office, suggesting that Castagne may have known his attacker.
Police went door to door in Castagne's Richardson neighborhood looking for insight on the man that most described as reclusive.
"I don't even know what he looked like," says Bob Figioni from across the street. Figioni says he'd lived in the neighborhood just shy of 20 years, and Castagne had been there even longer.
"He was over there by himself, to himself," added neighter Elisa Baldwin. "Just like you see his home now, with the shades down? It was that way at all times."
Castagne spent his career in the restaurant industry and helped to open a popular Addison wine bar more than a decade ago. Coworkers upon hearing the news of his murder said they were stunned… telling CBS 11 "this has rocked our world." Still, coworkers were not aware of Castagne's side business in Richardson—saying he was a very private person.
The business was issued a certificate of occupancy as The Brotherhood LLC. A man arrived at the office park early Wednesday saying he had made an appointment after responding to an online ad for an audition. Police described the business as a "Marketing & Web Design" company.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Richardson Police at 972-744-4800.
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