Trial begins for man accused of robbing, killing hotel manager in 2000

James Lorenzo Randolph

James Lorenzo Randolph

A man is finally standing trial for a 16-year-old murder case, authorities said Tuesday.

James Lorenzo Randolph, 32, was arrested in October 2014 and charged with armed robbery and murder that took place in 2000, Kimberly Isaza, a spokeswoman for the Cobb Count District Attoryney's Office said.

On Dec. 7, 2000, Rodney Castlin was working as the night manager of a Cobb County hotel when robbers shot him in the chest, killing the 36-year-old married father. A hotel clerk was also wounded during the robbery.

Castlin’s wife was expecting the couple’s fourth child when he was killed, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.

Almost 2,000 people attended the funeral for the father of three, who was voted “Most Humorous” by his senior class at the former Walker High School in Decatur. Castlin was working nights at the Wingate in Kennesaw so he could return to college for a business degree.

U.S. Marshals Service found Randolph in 2014 in Richland County, South Carolina, after tying him to the murder and armed robbery charges.

The trial is currently underway, Isaza said.

“This case is not over,” District Attorney Vic Reynolds said. “But we are pleased that a significant step toward justice for Mr. Castlin’s family has been taken. We look forward to bringing this suspect to face trial in Cobb County as soon as possible.”