Judge Denies Bond for Miami Man Accused of Vicious Attack on Doctor
MIAMI, FL – A Miami-Dade judge on Friday denied bond for Ventura Perez del Castillo, a 20-year-old man accused of a brutal attack on a Miami Beach doctor.
Judge Alberto Milian described the October 14 assault as “vicious” and stated that there was no evidence so far to justify the attack legally or morally. Until further evidence is presented, Perez del Castillo will remain in custody at the Metrowest Detention Center pending trial.
The Incident
The accused, who was 19 at the time, allegedly assaulted Dr. Steven Silvers, a 69-year-old OB-GYN, at Mount Sinai Medical Center. According to police reports and surveillance footage, Perez del Castillo slammed the doctor to the ground, causing serious injuries.
Authorities said the incident stemmed from Perez del Castillo’s confrontation with the doctor regarding a medication prescribed to his mother. The medication, reportedly an opioid painkiller, was deemed triggering by the defendant’s family due to a relative’s struggles with addiction.
Legal Arguments
Defense attorney Peter Heller argued for supervised release, citing Perez del Castillo’s status as a first-time offender with no prior criminal record. He claimed that the attack was provoked and suggested that the doctor’s alleged behavior led to the confrontation.
“He had no intent to harm the doctor; it was an emotional reaction to a tense situation,” Heller said.
However, Judge Milian dismissed the argument, stating that the surveillance footage clearly showed Perez del Castillo charging out of an elevator and violently attacking the doctor.
“I don’t see the doctor restraining or provoking him,” Milian remarked. “I see your client acting aggressively and without justification.”
Next Steps
The judge indicated that a bond modification could be re-filed but expressed doubt that an appeals court would overturn his decision.
Perez del Castillo has been in custody for over two months and faces serious charges in connection with the assault.
Community Impact
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of violence in medical settings, with healthcare professionals expressing concern for their safety. Dr. Silvers, who has served the Miami Beach community for decades, remains in recovery from the injuries sustained in the attack.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department.
