FOLLOWING testimony from Police Detective Jordan Reyes Agulto on Friday, Superior Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho found probable cause to charge Brandon Russell Camacho with assault with a dangerous weapon and disturbing the peace.
“The defendant is therefore held to answer said charges,” the judge said.
At a preliminary hearing, Brandon Camacho, 40, appeared with his attorney, Charity Hodson, while Assistant Attorney General David Krach appeared for the government.
The defendant, a U.S. Army veteran, was previously released from the custody of the Department of Corrections after posting 10% of his $15,000 cash bail, or $1,500. Initially, he was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.
The judge also ordered the defendant to appear for a status conference before Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio on Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Background
The Department of Public Safety investigated an assault incident at Welcome Market in San Roque that went viral on social media. A video of the incident shows a man in a green shirt and dark hat striking a shirtless man with a bat. DPS identified the man in the video as Brandon Camacho.
According to DPS, the shirtless individual encountered his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend inside the store and was later confronted at the entrance by Brandon Camacho and struck with a bat. The victim told investigators he had met his ex-girlfriend in the store, who introduced him to Brandon Camacho, before they went their separate ways.
While making his purchase, the victim said Brandon Camacho returned to the store and demanded an apology. The victim said he was unsure why, as he had not said anything.
Investigators said the two men went outside, where the altercation continued. Brandon Camacho continued to demand an apology while holding a bat. When the victim did not comply, Brandon Camacho pushed him multiple times with the bat and struck him in the head, shoulder, and arm.
