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Police: Suspect Stabbed Ex As She Left Worcester Restaurant Bathroom

WORCESTER (CBS/AP) — A 28-year-old New Hampshire man charged with the stabbing of his ex-girlfriend has been ordered to go undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation.

Carlos Asencio, of Derry, New Hampshire, appeared in court Friday on murder and other charges.

According to court documents, Asencio had dated the victim, 31-year-old Amanda Dabrowski for three months, and was recently trying to get back together.

Forensic psychologist Dr. Stephanie Hansen evaluated Asencio and says he has untreated depression and is suicidal.

"He did report feeling depressed, anxious, notably sullen and quite tearful at times," said Hansen.

The judge entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf, and he will undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation.

worcester carlos asencio
Carlos Asencio (WBZ-TV)

Police say Asencio had a warrant out for his arrest for an alleged invasion of her home in April.

According to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, police thought Asencio was in Mexico after a Border Patrol in Canada reported he crossed the border and took a flight to Mexico in April. Federal authorities are investigating Asencio's re-entry to the country.

It was just inside O'Connor's restaurant in Worcester Wednesday night that he is charged with brutally stabbing Dabrowski 15 to 20 times after she arrived to attend a book club meeting.

Former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray was among the restaurant patrons who ran to subdue Asencio after two others got him to the floor.

"If it was your wife or daughter ... people just had to act to do something. They led the charge, and we assisted them," said Murray.

The victim's family became in emotional in court while those who tried to help wish they could have done more.

One of those people, Allen Corson Jr., of Canterbury, Connecticut, received a cut that required stitches. In an interview with WBZ-TV, Corson Jr. said he ran to help after hearing the victim scream.

"I wanted to save her," he said. "It's sad to me that's not what happened."

"Our guests, our staff are warriors. They went into action, crisis management mode, and did their best," said Brendan O'Connor, owner of the Worcester restaurant.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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