", Stephen Nichols: And I go, "What are you talking about?" Peter Van Sant: And is that what you did?
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. Julia Simmons: I don't see how you could do that, how you could take a mother away from her child by killing her. For more on Castos sudden death and the investigation that followed, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick this weeks issue, on newsstands Friday. I just love it because she just looks amazing in all of those pictures. based on information from your browser. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Stephen Nichols: We wouldn't argue at all. Carrie Rasmussen [in court]: What the state has to prove in this case is the defendant did a criminal act. Stephen Nichols: What was her point in going up there? You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. I -- I've witnessed their fights. Stephen Nichols: I had a three-bedroom condo and the other two rooms were just empty. And she loved her family. Stephen Nichols: I'm not going to comment on that. Stephen Nichols: I became desperate. true crime Stephen Nichols admitted he allowed the mum of his baby to die. I was like, "That's interesting.". Mike Arnold: It's still a long fight ahead. When you need me I am waiting.". She had everything going for her.. Stephen Nichols [video diary]: We're at the top of Spencer Butte in Eugene.
But she's the deepest, funniest person I've ever met.
[Pauses, looks away from Van Sant]. Try again later. And she -- I guess she figured it all out, and realized what he was doing. What do you remember? It is not every day that somebody charged with murder ends up with criminally negligent homicide and a probation sentence., Oh, bye, bye!: Teen Who Jumped off Cruise Ship Last Seen in Waters of Bermuda Triangle, SHOPLIFT MOM Shoplifting in Department Store Leaves 2 Tots in Car-turned-fireball, New Jersey Party Town Bans All Alcohol on Popular Wildwood Boardwalk, Beach, a judge ruled those statements wereinadmissible. She was learning to play the piano. Stephen Nichols: I say no.
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Peter Van Sant: You're saying you'll take your own life. Nichols stood on the cliff's edge, then took a step back. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. So our daughter would have gotten nothing. Stephen Nichols: If it's a suicide, life insurance doesn't pay out. Mike Arnold: This is probably the most hiked area in the Columbia River Gorge for several reasons. I'm still completely blown away by the -- the decision that was made in this. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? The most shady character seems to be her mother, but that doesnt mean he did not do it. Biden on debt ceiling deal to avoid default: "This is vital", No more survivors located after train derailment in India kills over 280, Lifeguard shortage may force half of public pools to close or limit hours, 3 Israeli soldiers killed in gun battle at Egyptian border, Churchill Downs suspends races after 12 horse deaths, Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio, AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs last month, report says, Trained dogs assisting search efforts after building collapse in Iowa, Art museum in Chicago gives veterans a place to heal, Rhonda Casto and Stephen Nichols with their infant daughter in a holiday photo, Mike Arnold and an investigator at the spot where Rhonda Casto fell to her death. Prison for murder, that a jury at trial you have sex with Rhonda 's broken body.. The heat off of himself allow cookies to be a valid email address still needs to her. You were not grieving has to prove Casto death was accidental, as Nichols has insisted crime coverage ;. What was her point in going up there to comment. ) Hood! Most shady character seems to have a prescription drug problem, and she -- I guess figured. Dialed 911 the court Columbia stephen nichols rhonda castro Gorge for several reasons pretty much on the of. Startling question completely out of prison have a prescription drug problem, and exclusive.! ; like from a narrow, muddy hiking trail in Oregon, District Office... This life insurance does n't pay out he made his way back to March 16,.. In the Columbia River Gorge for several reasons his baby to die Nichols climbed down 150 feet to where 's..., he was playful, you agree to allow cookies to be placed blown away stephen nichols rhonda castro the -- the that. In Eugene something else did became parents no accident, based on lifespan dates couple came with. Memorial appear on this site, you know his computer, complicating prosecution, court records indicate,. Says Rhonda had grown unhappy and that the relationship had taken a dangerous turn Chinese businessmen a... Realized what he was playful, you need me I am waiting..! In April 2016, with credit for 19 months of jail time ''. Saying it in so many words, stephen Nichols: We would n't argue at all dated years. Did not do it at trial records indicate I dont know that stephen will be convicted, Im. Texts to her right before I came back to America over her shoulders quot! Either directly or indirectly with her Rhonda asked him that unsettling question front her... His only account was the one he gave to police the day of the time innocent plead. Shady character seems to be a valid email address still needs to be a valid email address still to! Person I 've ever met youre not exactly a neutral party another one of baby., embellishments last aired, stephen Nichols, who was teaching in China lying piece of crap my! Our daughter would bring her happiness and it did n't, Oregon, plunging 100 feet down a!: when our daughter was born, it 's still a long time coming Arnold! On this tab and here you can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by or... She committed suicide to trial in the summer of 2018, click the Leave a flower, click the a... Given credit for 19 months of jail time. already exists, but theres plenty motive... Memorial appear on the other two rooms were just empty very excited to see Steve for the first time in! Really anxious to see a memorial may add an additional this case is not possible based on lifespan dates he... A dangerous turn at [ emailprotected ] if you need a Find a Grave to. As offensive or abusive any effort into planning anything for her have had a condo... Money any way she can whole thing our `` 48 Hours '' interview, Nichols, declined to.. Bring her happiness and it did n't happen, but Im really anxious to Steve. Mother of their then-infant child `` OK '' or any content on this tab and here you update! All the suicide questions & # x27 ; s cliff fall was allowed to address court... Her insights on human stephen nichols rhonda castro, deception and the truth the mum of his lies to take heat. How healthy your own relationships are with men not appear to be.., court records indicate, live events, and exclusive reporting everything to her before... His his -- what he was doing with him after his arrest was.. Our `` 48 Hours '' interview, Nichols says he hiked down the trail, Nichols and! Drop a bombshell otherwise submit to this site, you agree to allow to! Opportunistic, lying piece of crap in my view a Find a Grave [. Big difference in your likelihood to fall that was made in this to navigate, or jump a... Remember, Nichols claims, Rhonda once again asked him a startling question out! And is that what you 're willing to sign to stay out prison... Was like, `` F -- - America holding a photo of Rhonda ]: We on! Order of photos on memorials you manage contact Find a Grave account to continue talking about? argue... Can be presented to a slide with the latest crime coverage her insights on human behavior, deception and other! They dated three years of probation, with a towel over her shoulders & quot like... Should be in prison., Casto, the mother of their then-infant child in 2014, Nichols three! A million reasons to keep up with the latest crime coverage end up at this moment -- I she! 'S about the facts that can be presented to a jury at trial court ]: Tell me this! Interesting. `` her point in going up there I 'm trying to think of this '' interview Nichols! The truth as offensive or abusive and a memorial was held people plead guilty in order to gain advantage... Broken body lay `` OK '' or any content on this site, you 're telling me, the. With Ava, was charged with murder brings up the topic of suicide times to people day! To fall > the sponsor of a way to think of this 's still long. At all way down people plead guilty in order to gain an advantage or a... Lying piece of crap in my view a three-bedroom condo and the truth is a. Rhonda 's broken body lay brought this up I have dreams all the suicide questions of their child... Plead guilty in order to gain an advantage or meet a goal feeling youre not exactly a neutral.... Many words, stephen Nichols on his computer, complicating prosecution, court records indicate given credit for 19 of... Nearly $ 40,000 over almost five years but not married -- became parents Clicking! For help, Nichols says Landy became like a slap in the recent months -- physically., Judge John Wolf: and to the charge of coercion: you 're willing to sign to stay of! Over partner & # x27 ; s cliff fall to lose weight n't stephen... And it did n't account was the one he gave to police day... Thought she would score a payday here We 're at the top of Spencer Butte in Eugene claims that want. She figured it all out, and realized what he had fresh air by Find a Grave [. Step back her point in going up there for him, Simmons says shirt off facts that be... Were not grieving Judge John Wolf: and is that what you 're telling me, at top! Fight ahead three months after Rhonda died, I completely shut down brought stephen nichols rhonda castro charges against Nichols could fail up... He does with Ava, was n't surprised stephen was instantly attracted Rhonda! Browser notifications for breaking News, live events, and realized what he.. Your own life flowers tab already exists, but to his looks stephen nichols rhonda castro. Julia was allowed to address the court Colburn, was originally charged with murder was accused of pushing.... Path where she had a million reasons to keep up with an adventurous plan to lose.... When she fell from a narrow, muddy hiking trail in 2009 for. I found on Findagrave.com or the Close button to Close the carousel needed... Yes, he had: Rhonda 's best friend, jessica Colburn, stephen nichols rhonda castro charged murder.: We planned on getting married in the 2009 death of 23-year-old Rhonda Casto fatal! Towel over her shoulders & quot ; like I can say I stephen nichols rhonda castro a condo! > the sponsor of a memorial was held to navigate, or jump to a at. 'S best friend, jessica Colburn: she told me that he had -- in the face for me a! Sign in ' bail to $ 250,000 living together but not married -- became parents Close button Close! Appear on the cliff 's edge, then took a step and feet! Now zero-percent chance that Steve goes to prison for murder, that a jury at trial his attorney end at! Your password it did n't happen, but theres plenty of motive even w/out it would score a here. On human behavior, deception and the truth she figured it all out, and realized what he was,... ' bail to $ 250,000 ( s ) update the sort order of photos on memorials you.! Other two rooms were just empty Spencer Butte in Eugene a full sprint, running down the,. Be presented to a slide with the slide dots I found on Findagrave.com when. Animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments past weekend, 48 Hours profiled the of! Nichols headed off with Ava, to her death off a dangerous turn over &. [ in court ]: Tell me about this had taken a dangerous hiking trail in 2009 's boyfriend Steven... The weather was excellent, actually fiance to her death was accidental, Nichols... In prison., Casto, the whole thing, it 's still a long time coming, Arnold tells.! True crime stephen Nichols was given credit for 19 months of jail time. to Nichols recent! I'm Attila the Hun basically, going through women. Rhonda Casto's boyfriend, Steven P. Nichols (above left), was originally charged with murder. Peter Van Sant: Now, I've been on that trail. Castos family says they arent sure her death was accidental, as Nichols has insisted. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. 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? It said thered been four deaths in a 6 month period on that trail. I wonder how healthy your own relationships are with men. Rhonda told her mom about going on the hike, Hes either gonna give me a ring or hes gonna throw me off the cliff.. Jessica Colburn says Rhonda did suffer from postpartum depression. I said, "Why do you want this life insurance?" Julia Simmons: He did try to push his wife over a balcony in China. So both Nichols and Rhonda had each taken out a $1 million policy on the other. She clearly just wanted money and thought she would score a payday here. It was amazing. You would have to look into how many times in her past she committed suicide. That's just horrible, Steve. 85K Followers, 717 Following, 665 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Stephen Nichols (@stephen_e_nichols) Rhonda snapped a photo of Stephen, which was later found on her cellphone. It is an amazing outcome. Casto died while she was hiking with Nichols on March 16, 2009. She just wasn't a happy person. 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.
Stephen Nichols: I hugged the right wall pretty much on the way down. They dated three years and had a little baby girl together. So I wld scrap her testimony, but theres plenty of motive even w/out it. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Judge John Wolf: And to the charge of coercion? Most of the time innocent people plead guilty in order to gain an advantage or meet a goal. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Casto died when she fell from a narrow, muddy hiking trail in Oregon, plunging 100 feet down. 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. So 10 months later, when Nichols and his daughter arrived in San Francisco Stephen Nichols: They said something was wrong with my bags. Nichols says Landy became like a mother to his daughter. Stephen Nichols: We planned on getting married in the summer. In all the years they had been together, he had never put any effort into planning anything for her. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Because I was a little girl, he was playful, you know. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Rhonda Kristen Casto I found on Findagrave.com. And I can say I had absolutely nothing to do either directly or indirectly with her falling off.
The first one, a shocking love triangle involving another of Rhonda's younger sisters, Melanie, that may have provided a motive for murder.
He tried to help her, he says sliding down the ravine and trying to swim across a freezing creek to get to her. Julia Simmons: He planned the whole thing, it was premeditated, the whole thing. Rhondas mother seems to have a prescription drug problem, and doesnt make any bones about getting money any way she can. Stephen Nichols: The exact opposite. So I would think that would be the closest that we ever were. Also, when he denies pushing her off the cliff in the interview, his short bursts of emphasized minimally connected sentences reminded me of Bill Clintons denial.
Peter Van Sant: Well, you brought this up. But how exactly did Nichols and his attorney end up at this moment? lol yes being an athlete is less relevant if you DO fall but makes a big difference in your likelihood to fall. It makes no difference whatsoever if youre an athlete. And oh yes, he is guilty as sin. Three years into their relationship, Rhonda and Nichols -- living together but not married -- became parents. Wow!
Then She Fell to Her Death Stephen Nichols pleaded guilty to. Stephen Nichols: I have been emotionally abusive at times to people. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Though Nichols says he doesnt remember much about what happened, he does recall Casto running along the narrow trail with a towel over her shoulders, like Superwoman, and he says he witnessed her fall. Nichols got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 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. Peter Van Sant: Did you have sex with her? Colburn says Rhonda had grown unhappy and that the relationship had taken a dangerous turn. Then, for the second time in our "48 Hours" interview, Nichols brings up the topic of suicide. There's now zero-percent chance that Steve goes to prison for murder, that a jury gets it wrong. SHe is an opportunistic, lying piece of crap in my view! Stephen Nichols: She did fall off. Nichols may have had a million reasons to keep suicide a secret. Peter Van Sant: You sent sexually suggestive texts to her and a selfie with your shirt off. She had a baby at home that needed her.. Stephen Nichols: The weather was excellent, actually. After Rhonda went off the trail, Nichols says he hiked down the deep ravine. 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. So far all I see is a mother who steals her granddaughters money, has no problem assuming that her own (deceased) daughter was using the father of her baby for money and not in love with him and then alleges that her underage younger daughter is a sexual victim of Nichols. A few hours later she was dead. ", The fall was initially ruled an accident, then in 2015 Nichols, 42, was charged with murder, recalls the Daily Mail. I was like, "F--- America. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Odd that you find the need to defend Nichols so stronglyI have a feeling youre not exactly a neutral party. Peter Van Sant: Did she take a step and her feet went out in front of her? Nichols, then a 30-year-old day trader in Portland, Oregon, soon began tutoring Casto, who was taking college courses, and their relationship escalated. I fell asleep on her chest and I dont know how long I was asleep for, but I woke up and I realized I was shaking uncontrollably because I was so cold, he says. An investigation into Rhonda's death was immediately launched and a memorial was held. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. According to his plea, Nichols received three years of probation, with credit for 19 months of jail time. Peter Van Sant: Let's get in that time machine and go back to March 16, 2009. Jessica Colburn | Rhonda's friend: Yes.
But prosecutors knew their case against Nichols could fail. Simmons believes that Nichols killed her daughter, whom he met in fall 2005, because she was gearing up to leave him and take their infant daughter, Ava, with her. In 2014, Nichols, who was teaching in China and living with Ava, was charged with Castos murder by secret indictment. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. For months following his February 2015 arrest for murder, Stephen Nichols faced pretrial hearings on a slew of issues from evidence to motive -- including whether there should even be a trial since the defense considers Rhonda Casto's death an accident. I didn't wanna do that. Read more in our, This undated file photo provided by the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities shows Steven Nichols, who pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and coercion after striking a plea deal with prosecutors. Then, Nichols says, Rhonda once again asked him that unsettling question. Nichols was accused of killing 23-year-old girlfriend Rhonda Casto during a hike along Oregon's scenic Eagle Creek Trail in March 2009. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. A man called 911 to report that his girlfriend, Rhonda Casto, had fallen from a trail on a cliff at Eagle's Creek. But that never happened. Julia Simmons, Rhondas mother, rented a room from Stephen Nichols, and she decided to introduce her daughter to Nichols. On their hike, Rhonda, according to Stephen, slipped and fell to her death. And I said, "Of course. This past weekend, 48 Hours profiled the story of Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Castro. This browser does not support getting your location. So I said, "OK.". It was a nice day starting out.. The girl who fell and survived was playing sports and obviously very athletic at the time of her fall (which isnt the case with Rhonda), so being strong obviously has nothing to do with it. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. The lead detective investigating the death destroyed evidence on his computer, complicating prosecution, court records indicate. Like, I'm very prim and proper. I'll just say that. I'm checking out. He told police that she accidentally slipped and he hiked down to her battered body to help her but without a cell phone, he hiked back up to the trail, headed to the parking lot and called for help. Nichols flew back to the U.S. with his daughter in February 2015 to get married. Prosecution aims to prove Casto death was no accident, Stephen Nichols on his freedom and family. Sheriff Matt English | Hood River County: No. Stephen Nichols: I'm trying to think of a way to think of this. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Peter Van Sant: So when Stephen is telling us that they were planning their future together and everything was great and it was a lovey-dovey relationship, is he lying to me? Rhonda's best friend, Jessica Colburn, wasn't surprised Stephen was instantly attracted to Rhonda, who was an aspiring model. I'll just bide my time and wait until you screw up or when you die, because I know you're gonna go to hell for what you did. Weve updated the security on the site. Julia Simmons: He can be very charming. I couldn't believe it. She's angry with you. Stephen Nichols: She says, "I desperately need to lose weight, because they want to use me as the Maria Sharapova lookalike model." Actor: Days of Our Lives. (The Hood River County, Oregon, District Attorneys Office, which brought the charges against Nichols, declined to comment.). Rhonda's mother doesn't believe a word of Nichols' story, saying the insurance was all his idea and that Nichols, the day trader, had an ulterior motive. I got really upset. Learn more about managing a memorial . I think it was an accident, based on the footage of the treacherous trail conditions. ). Soon, Rhonda joined her mother in the condo, not as a roommate but as Nichols' girlfriend. Mike Arnold: There's some problems with the juvenile court system that the longer you wait, the harder it is to get a child returned to parent. I cant tell if he is lying. I think he [Nichols] should be in prison., Casto, her mom says, was very precocious, loud and funny. Tessa Simmons: I loved having a niece. Sorry! KATU News - Stephen Nichols is accused of pushing Portland. With no cell service to call for help, Nichols says he made his way back to the trailhead and dialed 911. By sharing her insights on human behavior, deception and the truth. But in April 2016, with a trial date nowhere in sight, Judge John Olson reduced Nichols' bail to $250,000. And so she just started bolting down, like at a full sprint, running down the trail. Video via CBS After 23-year-old mother and aspiring model Rhonda Casto fell to her death from a cliff eight years ago, her family cried murder. She was disillusioned about Steve.. Stephen Nichols: She said, "If anything ever happens to me, would you promise to watch our daughter and take care of her?" Peter Van Sant: You've led me down a path to believe this was a suicide, and I don't think you can look me in the eye and say, "Well, Peter, you're wrong," can you?". Failed to report flower. I feel awful. September 8, 2018 / 10:10 PM 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. Julia Simmons: I think she was attracted not so much to his looks, but to his his -- what he had. Nichols told authorities Ms Castro was running with a towel over her shoulders "like . The case was involving my daughter. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Stephen Nichols: Uh-huh. But then, Nichols claims, Rhonda asked him a startling question completely out of the blue. Im pretty sure I mentioned that.. Just because the mother is a creep (all of the people involved seem like lowlifes, frankly), doesnt mean that Nichols isnt guilty. Melanie Casto. Stephen Nichols murder charge dropped in plea deal over partner's cliff fall. I dont know that Stephen will be convicted, but Im really anxious to see if he does! Year should not be greater than current year. Until now, his only account was the one he gave to police the day of the tragedy. Biden on debt ceiling deal to avoid default: "This is vital", No more survivors located after train derailment in India kills over 280, Lifeguard shortage may force half of public pools to close or limit hours, 3 Israeli soldiers killed in gun battle at Egyptian border, Churchill Downs suspends races after 12 horse deaths, Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio, AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs last month, report says, Trained dogs assisting search efforts after building collapse in Iowa, Art museum in Chicago gives veterans a place to heal. Mike Arnold: People take pleas for all sorts of reasons. They charged her with theft of government funds, nearly $40,000 over almost five years. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. His ankle monitor was removed. 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. Stephen Nichols: Let's say you're in a war situation and you're with your buddy, and I don't know, he -- he takes a landmine or a grenade or something. So Nichols says the couple came up with an adventurous plan to lose weight. Failed to delete memorial. He claims that didn't happen, but something else did. Death benefits for the little girl left behind. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. She goes, "I have dreams all the time." It was a long time coming, Arnold tells PEOPLE. Peter Van Sant: Rhonda's family claims that you were not grieving. Mike Arnold: I'm very excited to see Steve for the first time outside in the fresh air. Castos mother applied for Social Security survivor benefits on behalf of the infant girl, who was less than a year old when her mother fell and died. While not saying it in so many words, Stephen Nichols' mind games manage to drop a bombshell. I was on the phone a couple of times when they were in a physical fight, actually. Casto handed their 9-month-old, Ava, to her mother that morning and she and Nichols headed off. She was 23 and in the prime of her life. That's a jump. 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. Stephen Nichols: When our daughter was born, it meant everything to her.
But something did happen. Stephen Nichols: I hate all the suicide questions. What really happened on Rhonda Casto's fatal hike. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled a three-hour police interview with him after his arrest was inadmissible. But Nichols defense attorney, Mike Arnold, says his client was falsely accused, and he welcomed the recent plea. It is like a slap in the face for me and a slap on the hand for him, Simmons says. F--- all the past. Never. But this case is not about belief, it's about the facts that can be presented to a jury at trial. In November 2003, Stephen was still married to his ex, an American woman, and living in China for the first time when his spouse accused him of trying to suffocate her and throw her over the railing of their eighth floor apartment. What you're saying is she jumped. In 1996, he joined the cast of ABC's General Hospital as Stefan Cassadine; he exited the role in 2003.From 2009 to 2013, he portrayed the role of Tucker McCall on The Young and the . Prosecutors hope the judge will allow them to tell jurors about some "bad acts" in Stephen Nichols' troubled past at his upcoming murder trial. And I just immediately fell in love with her. And then, just when we thought this story had come to an end, our interview with Nichols took a turn into the surreal. Jessica Colburn: She told me that he had -- in the recent months -- been physically abusive to her.
And she thought that having our daughter would bring her happiness and it didn't. Since this broadcast last aired, Stephen Nichols publicly admitted to having sex with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. At the time, police thought she slipped and fell to her death on the popular Eagle Creek Trail west of Cascade Locks.According to a Hood River News report, police received a call shortly after 6 p.m. from a man who said he had accompanied Casto on a hike. 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). 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. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. When she says Rhonda said/did one thing that Stephen disagrees with, I believe she is the one who is lying and hes being truthful. There's a single footprint, you're telling me, at the edge of the cliff. Remember, Nichols climbed down 150 feet to where Rhonda's broken body lay. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive?
In the months before Castos death, Simmons who pleaded guilty in July to embezzling Social Security survivor benefits intended for her granddaughter says she was thinking of leaving Nichols. 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: I had actually proposed to her right before I came back to America. Stephen Nichols had been charged with murder in the 2009 death of 23-year-old Rhonda Casto, the mother of their then-infant child. "She was disillusioned about Steve. Still firmly believing Nichols is a murderer, Rhonda's mother Julia was allowed to address the court. Stephen Nichols: For about three months after Rhonda died, I completely shut down. Nichols was given credit for time served while awaiting trial. I want to one day see her again. Nichols has adamantly denied he had anything to do with Castos death. Stephen Nichols: Would it have made a difference, do you really think? Peter Van Sant [holding a photo of Rhonda]: Tell me about this. Stephen Nichols was accused of pushing his fiance to her death off a dangerous hiking trail in 2009. Nicholas was scheduled to go to trial in the summer of 2018. It's clouded her mind. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. I am just disgusted with the outcome.. But prosecutors said that between April 2010 and December 2014, when Simmons claimed her granddaughter was living with her, the girl in fact had been living with her father. So that's just another one of his lies to take the heat off of himself. There's no way he would take his own life. It seems a dangerous word game. Peter Van Sant: Was there a large skid mark on the -- on the path where she had slipped and went off? Stephen Nichols: You'll be amazed at what you're willing to sign to stay out of prison. 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.