Del Rio police respond to attic death report, arrest follows false reporting

Del Rio police officers responded on December 14 at approximately 3:30 p.m. to a residence in the 700 block of East 14th Street after a caller reported a deceased person inside an attic. Officers contacted the resident identified as Gerald Castellanos, who had reportedly made multiple false reports about the incident. Castellanos was accompanied at the scene by his girlfriend, Laretta Lu Villarreal. The investigation that followed resulted in an arrest tied to the false reporting and ensuing inquiry.

The Del Rio Police Department released a public statement summarizing the initial response and the arrest to inform neighbors and to provide a basic status update on the matter. For local residents, the immediate concern is twofold. First, the nature of the original call prompted a serious emergency response because a reported death requires urgent investigation and medical and law enforcement resources. Second, multiple false reports can divert those same resources away from other calls for help, potentially delaying responses to true emergencies.

Local routines were likely disrupted by the police activity and the concern of a possible death in the neighborhood. Residents who saw or were affected by the response should expect follow up notices from the Del Rio Police Department, which typically issues further details when charges are formally filed or when investigators release additional findings. Likewise, Val Verde County criminal courts will publish court dates and charges as the case proceeds through the legal system.

This incident underscores the importance of clear communications between residents and emergency services, and the strains false reporting can place on small departments. Community trust and public safety depend on accurate reporting, culturally sensitive response to distress calls, and timely public updates. Residents should follow official DRPD releases and the Val Verde County court calendar for developments and for confirmation of any charges or scheduled hearings.