John Kastner looks to have been the mark in a frame up. Not only did a man allegedly break into his house and murder his wife –he made Kastner look like the obvious culprit. It seems the intruder, who supposedly came looking for an acquaintance of Kastner’s daughter, used the high school English teacher’s own gun to kill his wife, shooting her multiple times in the head. Then… he shoots Kastner in the left hand and leaves him alive. This intruder is described as a dark-complected white or American Indian male in his late teens or early 20s, and about 6 feet tall. He might have fled the scene in a white 1990s-model SUV.
It must be tough being John Kastner right now. His wife, the mother of his children, is gone, and now he may just be the prime focus of the investigation. The intruder was clever in carrying out his crime. He delivered a relatively minor wound to the husband, who some would think would be his biggest threat (especially since he is a gun owner,) but seemingly focuses all of his energy and rage on the woman. The intruder left no sign of forced entry, didn’t bother to steal anything, and asked for the man’s daughter. The intruder happened upon the gun which had been left out on a table. It is very familiar scenario that is full of clichés. Hopefully, it won’t take focus away from the “real killer.”

The shooting happened about 4AM in the morning. The couple’s two children, ages 9 and 15, were home but were unharmed during the incident. They are now in protective custody. Kastner told police that the family was leaving for Israel on the day of the shooting. The Kastner’s passports were found in the street in front of the residence.

John Kastner, who teaches English at Webster High School, voluntarily resigned as a coach and co-athletic director last Spring. He has worked for the school district since 1990. He was treated and released from the hospital for the injury sustained to his hand.

Lori Moon Kastner recently left her job as an attorney for the Oklahoma Supreme Court to work for a non-profit. Lori Kastner’s death is Tulsa’s 19th homicide this year. Lori Kastner’s funeral will be held today at 2:30 at the Congregation B’nai Emunah.

On June 26, authorities served six search warrants, at least one of which was served at the Kastner home. Detectives reportedly removed several sacks of potential evidence from the Kastner residence. Police are investigating the couple’s financial records, among other things. Police had no comment regarding a suspect in this brutal killing. Regarding a posting on a NewsOn6 forum claiming that all family members had passed a polygraph, Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Huff stated, “That is absolutely incorrect.” People close to the Kastner’s have no reason to believe that there was any trouble between the couple.

We don’t know the truth, yet. The police are working on it. It would be an understatement to say that there aren’t a lot of red flags flying already. Whoever police suspect will be tried in the courts if and when they are captured. A lot of pundits and bloggers are having their say. That is the American way. We can speak our minds –that is our constitutional right. All the while, we should remember that we’re talking about real people. There are children without their mother. There is pain and grief. This is not fiction. This is real. I hope the man that killed this woman is caught and receives the justice he deserves.

Sources:

Search Warrants Issued In Attorney’s Death

Killing Stuns Neighbors

Funeral Set Today for Slain Mother