WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - Carlos Asencio was sentenced to life in prison without parole Thursday for stabbing his ex-girlfriend in a restaurant four years ago.
Asencio, 32, of Derry, New Hampshire, told a judge he didn’t see a reason to sit through his sentencing.
“There is only one outcome of what I’ve been sentenced to,” Asencio said. “Therefore, do I have to be in this room when that occurs?”
Prosecutors said Asencio tracked Dabrowski’s car to O’Connor’s on July 3, 2019 and when she went to the restroom he stabbed her more than 20 times in her neck and body before being subdued by restaurant patrons and staff.
“You invaded her personal space, and you invaded her privacy, and I’m not sure what gave you the right to do that,” Victoria Dabrowski, the victim’s sister, said in court. “You’re a coward.”
The victim’s loved ones told him how his actions have impacted their lives, but the judge allowed Asencio to leave the courtroom and listen virtually from a holding cell.
“Amanda wanted to get married. Amanda wanted to have kids,” said Edwards Dabrowski, the victim’s father. “Amanda wanted to thrive in her career and make a difference, but it was cut far too short.”
Asencio was also found guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for stabbing a man who tried to stop the attack. Asencio wrote something for his defense attorney to read on his behalf.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to any victims of this incident,” defense attorney Robert Griffin read in court. “Despite what the court may have said this is a mental health tragedy.”
Under law, first degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole, which he received. The prosecution said he committed the murder as an act of revenge after Dabrowski previously ended their relationship.
Meanwhile, Dabrowski’s family is focusing on Amanda – a microbiologist, a dog lover and wine enthusiast.
“Amanda, please have a glass ready,” Edward Dabrowski said, “as we too join you in heaven one day.”
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