Hello, and welcome to the George Brauchler DA Podcast—your front-row seat to the world of true crime, told through the eyes of one of Colorado's most seasoned prosecutors, District Attorney George Brauchler.

I'm your host, Tom Mustin.

Today, we're joined by a very special guest: John Castillo, the father of Kendrick Castillo—the young hero who, on May 7th, 2019, charged the gunman at the STEM School in Highlands Ranch and tragically lost his life while protecting his classmates.

John speaks candidly about the unimaginable loss of his only son, Kendrick's lifelong kindness and courage, and the growing movement within the Catholic Church advocating for Kendrick's path toward sainthood. He also shares the ongoing efforts to memorialize Kendrick's legacy, and opens up about something deeply personal—his struggle to forgive the gunman who took Kendrick's life. Healing, he says, is still a long road, and forgiveness is something he simply isn't ready for.

It's an emotional, powerful conversation with a devoted father who lost everything in an instant—yet continues to fight to preserve his son's story and spirit.

Let's meet John Castillo.