UPDATED – See update below….
A 60-year-old man who apparently specialized in gay porn photography and videography was found murdered at his office near Dallas on Tuesday.
Firefighters responding to a report of smoke found Michael Castagne inside his suite at an office park in Richardson, a northern suburb. Authorities have ruled Castagne’s death a homicide, and they’re now looking for his stolen vehicle.
According to WFAA-TV, Castagne owned a website called Nu-Faces.com. The site recruits both male and female actors. However, a related profile page belonging to a “Michael Costa,” which appears to be Castagne’s alias, suggests he specialized in provocative, nude photos and videos of young men like the one above.
While they were at the scene of Castagne’s murder, TV reporters said a man showed up at the victim’s office saying he was responding to a Craigslist ad seeking models.
Castagne reportedly was private and reclusive, and neighbors where he lived for 20 years said they didn’t even know what he looked like. Employees at another business Castagne helped launch, Mercy Wine Bar in nearby Addison, said they weren’t aware of his side endeavor.
From the profile of “Michael Costa” on ModelMayhem.com:
There is something really exciting when a model and photographer unite to create art!
Currently I have expanded my interests into videography while still working in the photography area. Currently I shoot primarily males, or male and female couples on occasion.
All models that I work with are compensated in some fashion. I do prefer to work with models that are comfortable with nude work for I feel that I am able to showcase their talent
while not be limited to what styles might be best suited to that model.
Authorities are looking for Castagne’s red 2015 Kia Sportage, with Texas license plate BRR-1445. Anyone with information is asked to call Richardson police at 972-744-4800.
Watch a report from CBSDFW.com:
If you are unable to watch the news report, you can do so HERE.
UPDATE: The suspect has been arrested:
Police say that Daeveion Mangum, 19, killed Michael Castagne on Tuesday in his office in the 500 block of E. Arapaho Lane. Castagne’s 2013 Kia Sportage also went missing.
Castagne died of blunt force trauma to the head. Perry said he believes Mangum started the fire that produced the smoke in the office suite Tuesday.
Richardson Police Detective Adam Perry said Mangum has worked with Castagne and his company, The Brotherhood, LLC, which bills itself as a marketing and web design firm.
