Coffee County homeowner shoots 2 women wielding machete during home invasion, sheriff says

Written by: KC Harrington

Published March 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM ET

COFFEE COUNTY, Ga – Two Douglas women are facing multiple felony charges after investigators said they were shot by a homeowner during an alleged armed home invasion in Coffee County.

Deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded Feb. 21 to reports of gunshot victims near Tyler Road. Upon arrival, they located Stephanie Ann Nicole Castillo, 35, and Elisabet Gaspar, 27, both of Douglas, with injuries authorities said were sustained during an attempted robbery.

The sheriff’s office, working alongside agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, determined the women allegedly attempted to carry out a robbery at the residence. Investigators said the homeowner fired a shotgun in self-defense after the women allegedly attacked with a machete.

Both women were transported for medical treatment and later taken into custody.

Castillo and Gaspar are charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and first-degree home invasion. Authorities said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

The case remains active and under investigation. Under the law, all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).