Bio

Shelley Lynn Casterline was born in 1973 and later lived in Guide Rock, Nebraska. By 2013, she was in a long-term relationship with Ronald Jamilowski, whose mother, Virginia Barone, lived nearby. Casterline and her adult son, Andrew Casterline, were frequently in Barone’s presence due to family and living arrangements.

Court records and testimony described a volatile household environment marked by tension and conflict. Investigators later determined that unresolved personal disputes and escalating anger contributed to the fatal confrontation.

Murder Story

On October 4, 2013, Virginia Barone, 68, was killed at her home in Guide Rock, Webster County, Nebraska. Shelley Lynn Casterline, born in 1973, was arrested the next day. Investigators said Casterline stabbed Barone with a knife after an argument. An autopsy showed Barone had two stab wounds in the back and twenty in the chest and torso. Her body was found partially covered by boards in her home.

Shelley Casterline and her son, Andrew, were charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. The two were arrested on October 5 in Newton, Iowa, after an alleged armed robbery in a Wal‑Mart parking lot. Police said two of Barone's bank cards were found with Andrew. Investigators also reported a knife in a glove box and bloody clothes in a stolen Jeep.

Shelley Casterline acknowledged to investigators that she killed Barone after the older woman made comments that enraged her. At her son’s trial, Casterline testified he was not there when she stabbed Barone and that he helped move the body. Investigators believed Andrew also stabbed Barone because he had cuts on his hands.

Shelley Casterline pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in March 2014. On September 22, 2014, she was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. Andrew Casterline was later found guilty of first-degree murder, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and burglary.