For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott J. Croteau 508-368-7228 or 774-418-5706
WORCESTER – A jury found a New Hampshire man guilty of murder in the July 2019 killing of 31-year-old Amanda Dabrowski inside a Worcester restaurant, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Carlos Asencio, 32, was found guilty of first-degree murder by a Worcester Superior Court jury after a trial. The murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for June 29.
A jury also found Asencio guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the injury of a patron inside the restaurant who helped to subdue Asencio.
“The loss of Amanda was devastating and tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. No one should ever have to go through something as horrible as this,” Mr. Early said. “We can only hope this verdict helps the family find some justice. I want to acknowledge Assistant District Attorneys Edward Karcasinas Jr., Tiffany Scanlon and Donna-Marie Haran who worked tirelessly on this case for Amanda. Our Victim Witness Advocate James Pearson was there for the family during every step of the court process. I want to thank the Trial Court and the men and women of the jury who reached this verdict.
I need to recognize and thank the Good Samaritans who rushed an armed assailant inside a crowded restaurant while trying to save Amanda. They displayed bravery in a horrific situation.”
Worcester Police Department officers responded immediately to O’Connor’s Restaurant on West Boylston Street around 7:50 p.m. on July 3, 2019, for a report of a stabbing. Amanda Dabrowski suffered multiple stab wounds and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A second man was also stabbed, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
Asencio, who had briefly dated Dabrowski, went into the restaurant that evening intent on killing Amanda as she attended a book club meeting. Asencio attacked Amanda inside the restaurant.
Asencio was subdued by patrons and restaurant staff. He was arrested by police at the scene.
“I want to thank the Worcester, Ayer and Webster Police Departments along with the Department of Homeland Security, Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services for their hard work in this case,” Mr. Early said.