BRONX, N.Y. — A Bronx man who ambushed and fatally stabbed his estranged wife inside her apartment has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced.

Exiquio Castillo, 50, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on January 22 and was sentenced Wednesday by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone. The brutal attack occurred on February 16, 2022, and claimed the life of 35-year-old Flor Recio Noble.

“The defendant waited inside the victim’s home. When she returned, he viciously stabbed her multiple times, leading to her death,” said District Attorney Clark. “Now, he is being held accountable for this crime that left two children motherless.”

According to the investigation, Castillo broke into Recio Noble’s apartment in the early morning hours and vandalized it with a knife. He slashed and destroyed household items, including clothing, furniture, and artwork, in a rampage before lying in wait for her return.

When Recio Noble came home with a friend, Castillo pulled her inside at knifepoint. The friend managed to wrestle the knife from his hands, but Castillo grabbed a second knife and proceeded to stab Recio Noble multiple times.

Defendant ambushed victim inside her home

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died of her injuries. Authorities said the crime scene showed evidence of significant destruction throughout the apartment, indicating a prolonged and violent attack.

Castillo was arrested shortly after the incident and held in custody during the legal proceedings. Prosecutors said the guilty plea avoided a trial but ensured a lengthy sentence.

Key Points

Exiquio Castillo sentenced to 20 years to life for fatally stabbing estranged wife
Crime occurred in February 2022 after defendant broke into and vandalized her apartment
Victim died from multiple stab wounds; two children were left without their mother

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