Convicted New Bedford Domestic Abuser Sentenced to State Prison

NEW BEDFORD — A 29-year-old New Bedford man who assaulted his girlfriend and then held her against her will for two days was convicted in Fall River Superior Court Wednesday.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced on Friday that Luis Castro was convicted of kidnapping, assault and battery on a family or household member, and assault and battery on a family or household member-subsequent offense. The conviction followed a one-day bench trial before Judge Gregg Pasquale.

Judge Pasquale sentenced the defendant to serve five-to-seven years in state prison, to be followed by four years of supervised probation.

"This defendant has a history of violence against women. The sentence imposed by the court will protect the victim and the public," said District Attorney Quinn.

On September 27, New Bedford Police responded to an address on Tallman Street in regard to a domestic assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who reported that she had entered in a dating relationship with Castro that culminated in an argument on September 25 - when the victim asked Castro to leave her apartment on Nye Street.

Castro rushed up to the victim, held her down, and punched her in the ribs. He stated he would “kill her” before he left the apartment. The victim says that Castro would not allow her to leave the apartment in the following days.

On September 27, Castro briefly left the apartment to purchase food, when the victim was able to escape to a friend’s house, also on Tallman Street, to alert the police. While speaking with officers outside the home, Castro walked by the scene and the victim pointed him out to police.

The victim was driven to St. Luke’s Hospital by authorities, where she was treated for a contusion to her chest wall.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Zachary Mercer, who argued for a six to 10 years state prison sentence, while the defense requested a two-year state prison term.