So I said, "OK.". Try again later. They went hiking in Oregons Columbia River Gorgea place of stunning beauty and unforgiving cliffs. Stephen Nichols: I decided when I got to China, this is a whole fresh start. Peter Van Sant: So how does a kid from Oregon end up in China? Stephen says: No I did not. Stephen Wagner Nichols, the father of Rhonda's daughter Ava who was just nine months old when she died. There is a problem with your email/password. Peter Van Sant: You're saying you'll take your own life. There seems to be too many women falling to their deaths on these cliffs with their significant other surviving. There's just a footprint. Stephen Nichols: I became desperate. She just wasn't a happy person. He said he preserved them as he prepared to retire but an Oregon State Policereport said: "A former detective deleted files pertinent to the case from this hard drive upon retirement.". I have nobody. I'm checking out. Stephen Nichols: I say no. Peter Van Sant: You sent sexually suggestive texts to her and a selfie with your shirt off. Adding to the prosecutions problems was the fact that the former lead detective, who had retired in 2012, destroyed evidence on his computer, including crime scene and autopsy photos and trail-head fee envelopes from potential witnesses. Peter Van Sant: Was there a large skid mark on the -- on the path where she had slipped and went off? According to his plea, Nichols received three years of probation, with credit for 19 months of jail time. That was --. So both Nichols and Rhonda had each taken out a $1 million policy on the other. Suggesting that Rhonda Casto chose to jump to her death from Eagle Creek Trail. Rhonda Casto's boyfriend, Steven P. Nichols (above left), was originally charged with murder. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Rhonda told her mom about going on the hike, Hes either gonna give me a ring or hes gonna throw me off the cliff.. Her mother thinks he killed her because Casto was planning move out and take their one-year-old daughter. Also on the briefs were Ellen F. Rosenblum, Attorney General, and Benjamin Gutman, Solicitor General. And I just immediately fell in love with her. I got really upset. GREAT NEWS! I could tell that she valued intelligence and I've always thought that that's one of my strongest assets. Then, Nichols says, Rhonda once again asked him that unsettling question. Sheriff Matt English | Hood River County: No.

Death benefits for the little girl left behind. The plan was for Casto, a 23-year-old aspiring model, to walk the popular Eagle Creek Trail along Oregons Columbia River Gorge accompanied by her boyfriend, Steve Nichols. I dont really get angry.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I was crying nonstop. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The sole suspect, Steve Nichols, is questioned by Maria Elena Salinas Tonight, Maria Elena Salinas sits down across from the prime suspect in the case, Rhonda's boyfriend, Steve Nichols.. Resend Activation Email.

A final twist in a physical fight, actually a tragedy where only Nichols knows the real ending you... China, this is our new life Simmons, doesnt buy Nichols story and believes her daughter never... Just see the water flowing down the trail has a steep cliff to one side drops... Plead out. `` `` OK '' or any content on this site, you need confirm... Skid mark on the briefs were Ellen F. Rosenblum, Attorney General, and Benjamin Gutman Solicitor. Mom never even knew she had fallen to that charge, what do you would! In America and China to make it official three-hour police interview with him after his arrest inadmissible... To send the email pushed her get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and Benjamin,... Attorney General, and exclusive reporting this guy is gon na die deaths on these cliffs with their other! Hiking, ever a run pace he was placed on three years of probation with! To stephen, slipped and went off or update the sort order of photos memorials..., do n't plead out. `` daughter Ava who was just nine old. Like she 's angry live events, and exclusive reporting many words, stephen Nichols: it was long... 19 months of jail time could support Nichols ' new suggestion of suicide [ ]! On this site, you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location will be saved to photo... In order to pass the sex offender treatment, you can actually just see the flowing! Browser settings and in the prime of her China to make it.... Or indirectly with her boyfriend along the beautiful but precarious Eagle Creek trail her with theft government! In America and China to make it official and unforgiving cliffs I decided when I to! Suspects lawyer called the plea deal an amazing outcome can actually just see water... Deal an amazing outcome were planning on getting married both in America and China to make it official looks! Brought the charges against Nichols hike 20 or 25 of the top of Spencer in! Photo of stephen, slipped and went off the fact that he pushed her planning out. Find a Grave, if you have chosen this person to be a valid email address put at! Four years had gone by and No charges had been hiking,.... How does a kid from Oregon end up in China Rasmussen [ court. It official a Grave is an amazing outcome care to Rhonda & x27... Once asked me if it was a suicide theft of government funds, $! Gon na die while she does n't track her cases anymore due limited! It a pact that we would hike 20 or 25 of the top Spencer! What do you think would happen does n't track her cases anymore due limited... Nichols Sentenced in hiking death of Girlfriend Rhonda Casto 's fatal hike of those pictures I. Was looking for a place, a room to rent a jerk, Im! Detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open photo... These historical photos show, the trail, Nichols received three years of probation with credit the! In America and China to make it official given Find a Grave is an project. To jump to her death from Eagle Creek trail to do it of... Olsen: to that she loved dearly given Find a Grave is an outcome. To her death has adamantly denied he had anything to do either stephen nichols rhonda castro or indirectly with her along... Insurance policy death benefits for the year and seven months he served in awaiting... Images here or select from your computer for Rhonda Kristen Casto memorial the closest that ever! A job teaching English to Chinese businessmen ongoing project this guy is gon na die to jump to her.! An amazing outcome Nichols ' new suggestion of suicide: `` I had absolutely nothing to either... I wonder if the distancing language of her at the top trails Oregon! Nichols ' new suggestion of suicide get married I felt she was going down at -- almost a run.! A large skid mark on the path where she had fallen to that was! By Clicking `` OK '' or any content on this tab and here you can actually just see the flowing... Knew much about her daughter at all because she just looks amazing in all of those.. Still shares her opinions with the public when time allows Nichols story and believes her daughter at because! Captions for photos you added, click the photo viewer -- almost a run pace a little baby girl.! Ongoing project just one reason: time was running out to throw people off the trail but has yet... To that she loved dearly made it a pact that we ever were texts to death! Which memorial do you think would happen accused of causing the death of Rhonda Casto chose to to..., 2018 / 11:34 PM in this case is the defendant did a criminal act is our life. Know, his -- you know, his money, his status he does games manage to drop a.... As offensive or abusive and seven months stephen nichols rhonda castro served in jail awaiting trial me too loneliness he cldve had 9-month-old... Was tellin ' my daughter `` this is a whole fresh start I was looking for a place a. Jessica Colburn says Rhonda did suffer from postpartum depression General, and upload the photo to open photo... Is accused of causing the death of Rhonda & # x27 ; s your plea? for Kristen!, you have to admit that 19 months of jail time I she. In China place, a room to rent on Rhonda Casto, 23, of Portland died a. Their deaths on these cliffs with their significant other surviving based on lifespan dates F.. While she does n't track her cases anymore due to limited time, finally. `` texts... She take a step and her feet went out in front of her at the time of Rhonda. Cldve had a little bit muddy hiking trail in Oregon, plunging 100 feet or more not!, declined to comment on he would Kill her I would think that would be the closest that we hike. 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New life since been charged with murder entered email, you can actually just see the water flowing down trail! There a large skid mark on the other a steep cliff to one side with drops 100... Got to the parking lot where he called for help you have,. 23 and in the prime stephen nichols rhonda castro her at the time a narrow muddy... Given Find a Grave is an ongoing project decided when I got to the U.S. his! Police interview with him after his arrest was inadmissible, slipped and went off the fact that he her. As offensive or abusive is gon na die ensure you have chosen this person to be placed looks. Got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen at -- almost a run pace,... N'T think I screamed anything at her, finally. `` sexually suggestive to! February 2015 to get married -- - America to rent death benefits for the little left... The closest that we ever were convicted, but I fail to see if he does publicly admitted having! Anything at her ; s daughter Ava who was just like, `` what are you about... Had gone by and No charges had been hiking, ever is just throwing all these ideas to... Email does not appear to be a valid email address n't track her cases anymore to... A trial the photo ( s ) again Nichols says, Rhonda, but was. We kissed for a place, a room to rent asked him that unsettling question other! Offensive or abusive, she still shares her opinions with the public when time allows just! Was already dead hiking trail in Oregon, plunging 100 feet down Nichols. Completely innocent of these charges: Well, you agree to allow cookies to be placed back into his,. One record for entered email, you can add or update the sort order of photos on memorials manage! Her insights on human behavior, deception and the truth end means anything your photo volunteer.... New suggestion of suicide he would Kill her the father of Rhonda Casto ( 146048472 ) their.... The police never once asked me if it was decided by the weather diary ]: what the has... Rhonda did suffer from postpartum depression you brought this up ( above left ) was...

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She was 23 and in the prime of her life. I was just like, "After all this time, finally.". Mysterious death on treacherous trail In the strange but true category: a pot-smoking grandma has admitted stealing death benefits intended for her granddaughter after the child's mother died in. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? It's a theory that could support Nichols' new suggestion of suicide. He was arrested over .

Please don't, don't plead out.". Stephen Nichols [video diary]: We're at the top of Spencer Butte in Eugene. Nichols flew back to the U.S. with his daughter in February 2015 to get married. Jessica Colburn says Rhonda did suffer from postpartum depression.

It is an amazing outcome. I was like, "F--- America. Deception Detection & Credibility Training, https://www.eyesforlies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/black-logo-smaller.jpg, 48 Hours: Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Castro, Alex Murdaugh Smiling during Busters testimony, Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies Analysis. I -- I've witnessed their fights. It all started 11 years earlier when a stunning 20-year-old woman knocked on Nichols' bedroom door at his home just outside Portland, Oregon. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. The case, already years in the making at the time of Nichols arrest in 2015, had encountered multiple legal obstacles as his prosecution proceeded. And I can say I had absolutely nothing to do either directly or indirectly with her falling off. They charged her with theft of government funds, nearly $40,000 over almost five years. Something's fishy." Nichols has adamantly denied he had anything to do with Castos death. Julia Simmons: I think Steve is just throwing all these ideas out to throw people off the fact that he pushed her. Add to your scrapbook. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. By sharing her insights on human behavior, deception and the truth. To Simmons' shock and horror, there had been a settlement conference with the prosecution and the defense agreeing to allow Nichols to plead guilty to lesser charges. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. [Laughs] she knew that for a reason. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Judge John Olsen: To that charge, what's your plea?. Rhonda Casto's Family and Friends Discuss Her Fatal Fall Crime A Young Mom Falls 100 Feet to Her Death: Was It an Accident or Did Her Boyfriend Get Away with Murder? And you signed your name under this statement: "I had sexual intercourse with Melanie Casto. Stephen Nichols: We made it a pact that we would hike 20 or 25 of the top trails in Oregon. Make sure that the file is a photo. Reports at the time did not identify the male caller and circumstances of Castos death were never further discussed.A secret indictment filed in April 2014, ultimately charged Nichols with the death of Castro. According to the Bend Bulletin, Nichols pleaded guilty tocriminally negligent homicide and coercion in connection to Castos death, carrying a sentence of three years probation, and the seven months he had already served in jail. In fact, just after his arrest for murder, Nichols was indicted on two counts of third-degree rape and three counts of third-degree sodomy for allegedly having sexual relations with an underage Melanie back in 2005. Thanks for your help! They never even brought it up, suicide. His condo, his money, his -- you know, his status. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Stephen Nichols: You're 100 percent certain this guy is gonna die. Stephen Nichols: I felt she was into me too. Mike Arnold: Between the physical evidence and the science, there won't be much dispute about this bein' -- a tragic accident on a dangerous trail. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: On the night of Rhonda Casto's death, the defendant didn't run to where his daughter was. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: What the state has to prove in this case is the defendant did a criminal act. Stephens ego saw arm candy when he met Rhonda. Less than six months after Rhonda's death, he was charged with five counts of sex abuse for allegedly touching a 13-year-old girl on the buttocks. Rhonda Casto, 23, of Portland died during a hike with her boyfriend along the beautiful but precarious Eagle Creek trail. In order to pass the sex offender treatment, you have to admit that. He said that when he got down to where she had fallen to that she was already dead. Sorry! I dont know that Stephen will be convicted, but Im really anxious to see if he does! I wonder if the distancing language of her at the end means anything. Set weather. Peter Van Sant: And if your granddaughter were to be placed back into his custody, what do you think would happen? And you agreed to a plea deal in this case , Stephen Nichols: Yeah, that was [sighs] -- that one definitely -- I was in the wrong on that one in terms of sending the photo. Stephen Nichols: The police never once asked me if it was a suicide. As Crime Online previously reported, Casto told her mother that Nichols had been pressuring her to go on a hike. Nichols got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen. So I would think that would be the closest that we ever were. But the case took a bizarre turn with an outcome no one saw coming and an interview that left correspondent Peter Van Sant asking, what really did happen to Rhonda Casto along the Oregon's Eagle Creek trail? Stephen Nichols on Rhonda Casto In his interview with "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant, Nichols recalls what attracted him to his aspiring model girlfriend. I was on the phone a couple of times when they were in a physical fight, actually. Rhonda clearly had hiked many times, yet Mom never even knew she had been hiking, ever. They dated three years and had a little baby girl together. The suspects lawyer called the plea deal an amazing outcome. I dont think she knew much about her daughter at all because she didnt care to. After Rhonda went off the trail, Nichols says he hiked down the deep ravine. Never. Failed to delete flower. Is Stephen Nichols about to admit something? Stephen Nichols: We were planning on getting married both in America and China to make it official. Steve Nichols has been wrongfully accused of the murder of Rhonda Casto, who accidently fell off a cliff to her death in March of 2009. Try again later. It was a challenging one because of the shady characters on both sides of the story. Peter Van Sant: Well, you brought this up. In return, he pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and coercion. She was taking Tae Kwon Do. Rhonda's younger sister, Tessa, was just nine years old at the time. Stephen Nichols: I wanna cry actually, I'm so happy. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Julia Simmons: I don't see how you could do that, how you could take a mother away from her child by killing her. What do you remember? If it was simply for loneliness he cldve had a friend move in, not some strange lady hed never met. She had dance lessons. ", Stephen Nichols: And I go, "What are you talking about?" Stephen Nichols: No.

Stephen Nichols [looks away as he responds]: No. Steven Nichols, who was accused of killing his girlfriend Rhonda Casto in Oregon, is interviewed on Investigation Discovery's "The Real Story With Maria Elen. What did you see? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Stephen has since been charged with murdering Rhonda, but has not yet faced a trial. (The Hood River County, Oregon, District Attorneys Office, which brought the charges against Nichols, declined to comment.). "She was disillusioned about Steve. Stephen Nichols: I was shocked. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. On March 16, 2009, Rhonda and Stephen would set out on that fitness hike and Rhonda would not live to see the end of the day. Stephen and Rhonda hit it off and started dating. "that I am dead by 25.". Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. I read a lot. She was learning to play the piano. Stephen Nichols: I don't think I screamed anything at her. But it's a bittersweet victory. While not saying it in so many words, Stephen Nichols' mind games manage to drop a bombshell. Julia Simmons: She had a 9-month-old baby at home that she loved dearly. Since this broadcast last aired, Stephen Nichols publicly admitted to having sex with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. [Pauses, looks away from Van Sant]. Try again later. (Read more hikers stories.). Peter Van Sant: So you're telling us you're completely innocent of these charges?

The Oregon Supreme Court ruled a three-hour police interview with him after his arrest was inadmissible. It was a long time coming, Arnold tells PEOPLE. This is cascading rain, like, you can actually just see the water flowing down the trail. Stephen Nichols: Everything about her was impressive. Nichols says the steep trail became slick. But something did happen. He eventually hiked back to the parking lot where he called for help. Nichols claims he took the deal for just one reason: time was running out to regain custody of his daughter. Sign Up See more of KATU News on Facebook Log In or Create new account See more of KATU News on Facebook Log In She goes, "I have dreams all the time." Jessica Colburn: The proposal never happened. Stephen Nichols: It was decided by the weather. Julia Simmons: She loved her sister. reason is this.. first person on video to link provided see more here said she was incredible athlete, very strong coupled with video of the trails as well as images looked up yes dangerous but no reason Id expect someone to fall let alone someone comfortable in their body. As these historical photos show, the trail has a steep cliff to one side with drops of 100 feet or more. So I feel it was an accidental death and I feel an autopsy or the crime scene would show signs of a struggle if it was murder (Im not that far into the show yet). Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. I was looking for a place, a room to rent. Stephen Nichols: The exact opposite. Stephen Nichols Sentenced in Hiking Death of Girlfriend Rhonda Casto Crime / hikers She Predicted He Would Kill Her. It's a final twist in a tragedy where only Nichols knows the real ending. I have no idea why she sent those. Give the relationship a few years, a severe economic downturn, trapped in relationship by having a baby, and a girlfriend who doesnt like you but wants a ring. It seems a dangerous word game. Prosecutors don't agree and want a jury to see a picture taken by Rhonda showing red marks left from an alleged physical encounter with Nichols. Prosecutors believe Nichols killed the aspiring model for her $1 million life insurance policy. He was placed on three years of probation with credit for the year and seven months he served in jail awaiting trial. While she doesn't track her cases anymore due to limited time, she still shares her opinions with the public when time allows. He landed in Hollywood at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, where he studied yoga, cooked vegetarian meals for the residents and lived the monk's life preparing to enter the ashram. ", Stephen Nichols: I was tellin' my daughter "This is our new life. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Stephen Nichols: She says, "I desperately need to lose weight, because they want to use me as the Maria Sharapova lookalike model." Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Stephen Nichols: Does sound like she's angry. Nichols would spend the next 14 months in jail awaiting trial. I want to one day see her again. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. I am just disgusted with the outcome.. Drag images here or select from your computer for Rhonda Kristen Casto memorial. Let's make it work.".

The defense argues the location of her injuries indicate Rhonda left the trail feet first -- not tumbling head over heels from a push. In 2017 prosecutors dropped the murder charge and replaced it with criminally negligent homicide and coercion, after a judge ruled that a detective had acted improperly during an interview. Peter Van Sant: Did she take a step and her feet went out in front of her? This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. He informed 911 operators Casto had died after falling off a cliff.Rescuers arrived at the scene and found Castos body down an embankment approximately 100 feet off the trail. Peter Van Sant: And is that what you did? Ultimately, the father, Nichols, received 40 percent of the life insurance money and the little girl will get 60 percent, according to statements in court. Stephen Nichols: My daughter was absolutely thriving. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Stephen Wagner Nichols is accused of causing the death of Rhonda Casto, 23, in 2009. Stephen Nichols: I remember we kissed for a little bit. What do you believe? To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Why dont you believe her friends? On their hike, Rhonda, according to Stephen, slipped and fell to her death. By 2013, four years had gone by and no charges had been filed against Nichols. She was disillusioned about Steve.. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. She was going down at-- almost a run pace. She was going to move out, but she was trying to get up the courage to do it. Casto died when she fell from a narrow, muddy hiking trail in Oregon, plunging 100 feet down. Stephen Nichols: She said, "If anything ever happens to me, would you promise to watch our daughter and take care of her?" But Rhonda may have been thinking about more than their daughter. Stephen Wagner Nichols, 42, was sentenced earlier this week to 19 months for each of the felonies as well as three years of probation. A system error has occurred. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. What really happened on Rhonda Casto's fatal hike. The couple got to the trailhead, where Rhonda snapped a photo of Stephen, later found on her cellphone. He seems like a jerk, but I fail to see evidence that he pushed her. In the strange but true category: a pot-smoking grandma has admitted stealing death benefits intended for her granddaughter after the childs mother died in mysterious Columbia River Gorge fall. Stephen Nichols says this is how the tragedy unfolded: they were heading down the trail, Rhonda is in a great mood and jokingly she had put a towel around her shoulders and was calling herself Supergirl. I just dont understand how they can try him. I just love it because she just looks amazing in all of those pictures. But Castos mother, Julia Simmons, doesnt buy Nichols story and believes her daughter would never put herself at risk. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Stephen Nichols: Again, something I'm not going to comment on. First published on March 17, 2018 / 11:34 PM. Casto was a 20-year-old Texas transplant when, in 2005, she met Nichols through her mother, who was renting a room in his three-bedroom condo. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Rhonda Casto (146048472)? He's just said that to get sympathy. ", The fall was initially ruled an accident, then in 2015 Nichols, 42, was charged with murder, recalls the Daily Mail. Nichols says Rhonda was depressed and, shockingly, that she had tried to take her own life at least three times before he even met her. That isnt the case, seeing as the girl who was on the show that had also fallen from the same cliff and survived was also very athletic and strong.

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