APD charges man for crash into house, killing homeowner

ALBUQUERQUE – APD investigators charged a man for driving drunk and under the influence of drugs before crashing a vehicle into a home today, causing the death of the homeowner who was sitting inside the residence.

Mark Castello, 52, is accused of driving a white Ford Expedition through a stop sign at Propps St. and crashing through the garage door of a home at 10912 Mahlon Ave., N.E. The Expedition struck a parked car in the garage, pushing that car into the residence. The second vehicle struck the homeowner who was sitting inside his residence. The Expedition traveled through the garage and halfway into the residence behind the second vehicle.

APD officers and rescue personnel responded to the crash around 12:40 p.m. The homeowner, a 74-year-old man, was transported to a hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

Castello was also transported to the hospital for minor injuries. He is charged with DWI resulting in death, driving with a revoked license, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of controlled substance. He admitted to smoking meth and marijuana prior to driving.

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