U.S. Marshals arrest Corinth stabbing suspect

Published Saturday, April 5
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer

A month-long flight from justice has ended with the arrest of a man accused in the stabbing and attempted rape of a Corinth woman as she lay sleeping in her apartment last month.

Jose Gilbert Gastro, 31, was arrested Friday morning in New Jersey by members of the U.S. Marshals Service task force and is now awaiting extradition to Corinth.

Corinth Police Chief David Lancaster said Gastro was arrested on warrants charging him with burglary with intent to commit assault, attempted rape and grand larceny. Lancaster said late Friday morning it was not clear whether Gastro intends to waive his right to extradition proceedings or attempt to fight extradition, but either way they are prepared to take all steps necessary to return him to Corinth to face charges.

Lancaster praised the Marshals Service for their efforts in locating the suspect.

"They've done a great job of tracking him down for us," he said.

Warrants were issued for Gastro after a female resident of a North Harper Road apartment complex told police she was assaulted on March 4. The victim said she awoke during the night to find a man standing over her bed and threatening her with a long barbecue fork. The man then attempted to tie the victim up and gag her with a wash rag.

The woman was able to fight her assailant off, sustaining several stab wounds during the attack. She pressed the panic alarm on her car keys which apparently frightened the attacker into fleeing. He then stole her car which was recovered a short time later with blood stains on the interior believed to be from wounds received during the attack.

Though the woman did not know her attacker by name, she was able to provide a detailed physical description to Detective Sgt. Greg Lindsey which helped lead him to Gastro.

Lancaster said Lindsey had evidence indicating the suspect might have fled to New Jersey and the U.S. Marshals were called to help track him down. The Marshals Service initiated an investigation which led to Friday morning's arrest.

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