CASE OF INTEREST

DATE: October 6, 2003
CASE: People v. Dusty Castillo, #00F06050
CONTACT: Deputy District Attorney Douglas Whaley, (916) 874-7321

District Attorney Jan Scully announced the conviction of 26 year-old Dusty Castillo for the attack on Correctional Officer Robert Buda on May 20, 2000. Castillo plead guilty to a charge of violating Section 245(a) (1) of the California Penal Code, assault with a deadly weapon. Castillo admitted 18 prior “strike” convictions including murder, robberies, and assaults with a firearm.

Deputy District Attorney Douglas Whaley indicated that on May 20, 2000, at the California State Prison Sacramento, Castillo attacked the correctional officer with a weapon manufactured from a razor blade affixed to a plastic handle. Buda was severely injured with cuts to his face, throat, hands, and arms. Officer Buda received a four-inch long laceration to his throat that had to be stapled shut. The gash narrowly missed the major arteries and veins in Officer Buda’s throat area. The attack occurred without warning during a routine cell move after Castillo attempted to hand his belongings to Buda, asking him to carry them for Castillo.

Following the guilty plea, Judge Gary E. Ransom immediately sentenced Castillo, to 25 years to life in prison consecutive to the prison term he is currently serving.

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