In a decisive ruling, a Miami-Dade judge has denied bond for Ventura Perez del Castillo, the individual accused of a violent assault on a Miami Beach doctor.
Judge Alberto Milian described the attack as ‘vicious’ and expressed skepticism about its justification, both legally and morally. The decision to keep Perez del Castillo detained was made after reviewing evidence that suggested the attack was unprovoked.
The incident, captured on security footage at Mount Sinai Medical Center, showed the defendant, then 19, forcefully slamming Dr. Steven Silvers, a seasoned OB-GYN, to the ground on October 14. The altercation arose after Perez del Castillo confronted the doctor over medication prescribed to his mother. According to testimony from Christina Perez, the medication was an opioid painkiller, which was particularly sensitive due to her sister’s struggles with addiction.
Attorney Peter Heller, representing Perez del Castillo, argued for supervised release, highlighting his client’s status as a first-time offender with no previous record. Heller contended that the young man was reacting to provocation rather than initiating the confrontation. However, Judge Milian refuted this position, emphasizing that the evidence indicated an aggressive action on the part of Perez del Castillo.
Judge Milian’s statements underscored that there was no indication of the doctor restraining or threatening the defendant. Instead, the judge depicted Perez del Castillo as charging at the doctor, leading to the violent outcome.
Despite the defense’s request for bond reconsideration, Judge Milian suggested that any appeal might likely uphold his ruling. Consequently, Perez del Castillo remains at the Metrowest Detention Center as the legal proceedings continue.
As this case progresses, the court’s commitment to scrutinizing the circumstances of the assault remains clear. The denial of bond underscores the gravity with which the legal system approaches unprovoked acts of violence, ensuring that justice is pursued diligently.
Source: Local10
