Carlos Asencio convicted in 2019 murder of Amanda Dabrowski inside Worcester restaurant
BOSTON – Carlos Asencio was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing his ex-girlfriend inside a busy Worcester restaurant in 2019.
A jury in Worcester Superior Court convicted the 28-year-old New Hampshire man of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, 31-year-old Amanda Dabrowski, inside O'Connor's Restaurant in Worcester. Prosecutors say Asencio stabbed Dabrowski nearly 20 times in the neck and body before being tackled by patrons and restaurant staff.
Prosecutors laid out that the case was about revenge and manipulation.
"Carlos Asencio wanted revenge against his ex-girlfriend and former colleague Amanda Dabrowski. You are going to hear that Mr. Asencio later lost his job, became homeless and he blames Amanda Dabrowski for all of these problems," prosecutors said in their opening statement last week.
The two had met while working at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Danvers and only dated briefly.
Investigators say Asencio assaulted Dabrowski as she left the bathroom while gathering for her book club. Several witnesses were called to the testify, including Amanda's mother and a restaurant employee who witnessed the attack.
After the verdict, WBZ sat down with Amanda's father Ed Dabrowski, who said he feels relief, though it will never be complete justice because the family is not getting their daughter back.
"She said, 'I want to keep this monster from hurting everyone else,' and I have to think that tonight's rain is tears of joy from heaven," said Ed Dabrowski. "Amanda could have made such a difference in the world she was so smart, outgoing and all I can say is Asencio might have taken her life, but she remains in our hearts, our minds and our souls."
The defense had argued that Asencio was mentally ill and engaged in a psychotic episode.
"It's been a long four years, neither my wife nor I have slept through the night since then," said Dabrowski.
"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," Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said.
Asencio now faces life in prison. He will be sentenced on June 29.
