1/27/14 - More than a year after his arrest for shooting at dozens of cars along and near the I-96 corridor, a Wixom man has told his version of events. 44-year-old Raulie Casteel faces charges including terrorism and assault with intent to murder in the case. The prosecution rested its case today after hearing from witnesses about the incidents and the law enforcement efforts to bring them to an end. Prosecutors claim the impact on the community and law enforcement justifies the charge of terrorism. Today the defense called Casteel himself to testify. He told the jury about his past, saying he had believed that there was a government conspiracy against him, that he was being monitored by cars and helicopters, and that advanced technology was being used to persecute his family. He said today that, with the help of medications, he now sees those beliefs to be paranoid and delusional. With regard to the shootings, he said he believed the cars involved were part of the conspiracy, and that he only intended to hit the vehicles rather than the occupants. He said he never wanted to hurt anyone or coerce the community or government. During cross examination, Casteel consented that he may have been shooting the cars to send a message to the government to back off. He finished his testimony this afternoon, and closing arguments will take place tomorrow. Meanwhile, he is set for sentencing in Oakland County on Thursday after reaching a plea deal there that would limit his jail time to 12 years. However, if heâs convicted on the charges in Livingston County, Casteel would face up to life in prison. (JK/TD)
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