Model Pleads Not Guilty In Murder He Already Confessed To

by Justin Fenner | 9:30 am, February 2nd, 2011

Renato Seabra, the male model charged with killing Portuguese journalist and gay rights activist Carlos Castro, pleaded not guilty to the charge of second degree murder Tuesday.

The Associated Press reports that Seabra, 21, was silent during his arraignment at Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday, and that his lawyer entered the plea on his behalf.

Prosecutors presented the court with the statement Seabra made when he was arrested in early January. Seabra told investigators that he and 65-year-old Castro argued in their room at the InterContinental hotel in Manhattan’s Time Square. The argument turned into a physical fight, and Seabra started choking Castro and stabbing him in the head and groin with a corkscrew. He also admitted to stomping Castro’s head and hitting him with a computer monitor.

Friends told the police and the press that Castro and Seabra were a couple, but Seabra later said he was only in the relationship for Castro’s money. Seabra’s mother went on Portuguese television to say that her son is not gay.

Seabra’s lawyer David Touger says he plans a “vigorous” defense and anticipates a positive outcome, but he didn’t specify what positive meant.

Seabra has been in custody at Bellevue Hospital, and he’ll remain there until the defense and the prosecution return to court for motions on March 4.

DA: Portuguese journalist castrated with corkscrew [The Atlanta Journal Constitution]

Male Model Murderer: I Was Only After His Money [Styleite]
Male Model Charged In Castration, Murder Of Portuguese Journalist [Styleite]

Carlos Castro Carlos Castro Murder Renato Seabra