Strip Club Stabbing Defendant Guilty of Simple Assault, Acquitted of Dangerous Weapon Assault

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A jury acquitted Abraham Urrutia Castillo of assault with a dangerous weapon but found him guilty of simple assault before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Aug. 20.

Castillo, 28, was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for hisd involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 23, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW, at a venue billed as “The Best Strip Club in DC.” One individual sustained injuries which required treatment at a hospital. 

According to the prosecution, Castillo’s friend was being escorted out by a waitress when he touched her. Castillo was removed from the club as well because patrons are not allowed to touch waitresses.  When a bouncer intervened to expel Castillo from the club, he stabbed the bouncer.

Castillo’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, argued his client acted in self-defense. He said Castillo did not actually touch the waitress, and the bouncer’s involvement was unwarranted and unprovoked. 

Castillo’s sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 27.