Man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity in beheading case

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Donovan Ornellas

The man who beheaded another man in Santa Rita and then transported the victim’s head to Dededo has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental defect.

Donovan Ornellas was arrested for the gruesome murder of Andrew Castro last month.

Castro, a wheelchair-bound individual, was discovered by his wife decapitated. Ornellas told police that he used the knife given to him and he was compelled to kill Castro because he placed his family in danger.

He also admitted to police that he had smoked methamphetamine at Castro’s residence.

By pleading not guilty by reason of mental defect, Ornellas will be subject to a mental evaluation.

His right to a speedy trial has been asserted, however, the clock is tolled until the evaluation is conducted. He remains behind bars.

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Jolene joined the PNC team in 2017, as a producer, co-anchor and investigative reporter covering law enforcement, courts and crimes. Notable coverage includes the Ehlert case, the Mark Torre Jr. trial, the Allan Agababa trial, exclusive pieces on the Life of a Drug Dealer/Addict, and Life behind bars...the story of Honofre Chargualaf and Kevin Cruz. In 2019, she was promoted to Assistant News Director and Lead Anchor. From 2015 to 2017 she served as Public Relations and Promotions Manager, for the Hotel Nikko Guam handling local radio and advertorial promotions, as well as produced and directed tv commercials for the hotel. Prior to this she worked with KUAM for three years as a reporter and segment host. She began her journalism career in 2012, working with Glimpses of Guam contributing to the Guam Business Magazine, R&R magazine, MDM magazine and the Marianas Business Journal.