PHOENIX (CBS5) -
A woman has died and her husband is clinging to life after they were found in their home early Friday morning - the victims of an apparent violent assault.
Lorena Castro, 60, passed away and her husband, Freddie, 62, remains in a critical care ward of a Valley hospital.
The Peoria couple had been together for more than 40 years. The couple's daughter, Dolores Posey, told CBS 5 News on Tuesday they are inseparable.
"Dad is fighting for his life," said Posey.
Police were called to 8815 W. Sahuaro Dr. at about 6:15 a.m. when they found a man with a skull fracture and a woman having difficulty breathing.
The investigation is ongoing. Police said one of the people whom they are questioning is the couple's son, Victor Castro.
Posey said her brother suffers from mental illness and had been off his medication for the past couple of months. After police questioned Victor Castro, his sister said he was put in a mental health facility.
"He never has pushed them, never has touched them. There are arguments, but not anything violent for us to worry that he would have done something," said Posey.
According to the couple's daughter, the pair is well known and loved in the Peoria community.
"My parents are the most loving, loving people that you could ever meet. They would give their last dollar to people just to help people. I mean they would take their shirts off their backs just to help somebody," said Posey.
The couple has five children, and all of them live here in the Valley.
The community has organized several fundraisers for the Castros.
An account has been set up in the name of Freddie Castro Jr. Donations can be made at any Chase bank.
A dance is being held Friday, July 13, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Peoria Banquet Hall at 85th Avenue and Peoria.
A carwash will get under way at 8 a.m. Sunday, July 15, at Coop's Bar and Grill, 8455 West Peoria Ave.
Copyright 2012 KPHO (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Delores Posey
Freddie and Lorena Castro with their daughters
