Forsyth County Deputy Killed in Crash; Driver Charged with Second-Degree Murder
A Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Kaleb Mitchell, was killed in a car crash on Saturday, March 7, 2026, and the driver, Bryan Castillo, has been charged with second-degree murder. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from the community and a call for safer driving practices.
Details of the Incident
According to warrants and statements from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Bryan Castillo, 19, was driving approximately 100 mph in a 55 mph zone on Walnut Cove Road when his vehicle collided with Deputy Mitchell’s vehicle around 6 a.m. On Saturday. WFDD and WXII reported on the high speed at which Castillo was traveling.
Deputy Mitchell was transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Castillo is currently being held without bond.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Castillo was initially charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, but Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill upgraded the charge to second-degree murder. MyFox8 reports that Castillo also faces charges of reckless driving, speeding, and driving left of center.
Castillo’s next court date is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
Remembering Deputy Mitchell
Deputy Mitchell joined the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office after serving with the King Police Department, where he was sworn in on February 24, 2022. He is remembered as an outstanding officer and a dedicated member of the community. Walnut Cove Fire Chief Brian Booe described him as a “true professional” who grew up in Walnut Cove. WXII reported on these sentiments.
Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. Expressed the profound loss felt by the Sheriff’s Office, stating, “What greater love than a man’s service for his community? Willing to lay down his life for others.”
Deputy Mitchell is survived by a two-year-old son and a pregnant wife.
Community Response
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has established a memorial for Deputy Mitchell in front of its headquarters. District Attorney Jim O’Neill emphasized the community’s shared responsibility to drive safely, stating that driving at excessive speeds is “an abandonment of the social obligation we hold to one another.” WFDD quoted O’Neill’s statement.