Glendale Resident Rueben Rocha Sentenced to Natural Life Following Brutal Domestic Homicide

Rueben Rocha received a natural life sentence for the 2023 murder of Jordin Castillo. Rocha fired 19 shots during a Glendale home invasion.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Arizona Daily Independent

Final Judgment for Fatal Domestic Assault

The Maricopa County Superior Court has delivered a definitive sentence in one of Glendale’s most high profile domestic violence cases. Rueben Rocha was sentenced to natural life in prison for the murder of Jordin Castillo, concluding a legal process that began with a violent home invasion in June 2023. In addition to the life term, the court imposed an extra 52.5 years of imprisonment, ensuring that Rocha will never be eligible for release. The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing case that highlighted the lethal intersection of domestic disputes and unauthorized residential entry.

Violation of Protective Orders and Violent Breach

The incident occurred on June 4, 2023, when Rocha bypassed security measures to reach Castillo’s third floor apartment. Investigators confirmed that the defendant entered the residence by breaking through a glass balcony door while six individuals were inside. Among those present was the two year old daughter Rocha shared with the victim. Despite Castillo having an active order of protection against him, Rocha disregarded the judicial mandate. Two adults inside the home managed to hide the young child as the situation escalated, likely preventing further casualties during the initial breach.

Documented Escalation During Emergency Call

A critical piece of evidence in the trial was a recorded 911 call placed by Castillo as Rocha entered the home. On the recording, the victim could be heard repeatedly ordering Rocha to leave and citing the legal protection order. Ignoring these pleas, Rocha opened fire while Castillo was still communicating with emergency dispatchers. Forensic evidence revealed that Rocha discharged his firearm 19 times, continuing to shoot even after the victims had fallen to the floor. The brutality of the attack left two of Castillo’s friends with life altering injuries in addition to the fatal wounds sustained by the primary target.