Bronx father wrongfully imprisoned for 27 months stabbed to death outside bar after release
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BRONX, NEW YORK: A Bronx father, wrongfully incarcerated for over two years at Rikers Island for a false knife attack, was tragically stabbed to death after his exoneration and release.
Baraquiel Castelan, 32, sustained fatal injuries to the neck, chest, and arm during a confrontation on February 3 outside El Chicanito, a bar and restaurant on East 153rd Street in Melrose, as reported by the New York Post.
The investigation has also unveiled details regarding the reactions of the deceased's family members as they cope with this devastating loss.
How did the victim Baraquiel Castelan’s sister react?
Olivia Castelan, the 29-year-old sister of the victim, shared her sentiments about her brother, stating, "He would give without getting anything in return. He would see someone fighting and he would try to break it up — he never was violent with anybody, He gained the community's respect."
A makeshift memorial was arranged for Baraquiel, with community members leaving candles arranged to spell B-A-R-A, the initials of his name.
Survived by two daughters aged 9 and 1, Baraquiel has left the elder one "in shock" due to the sudden loss of her father.
Olivia expressed her niece's disbelief, saying, "She just can’t believe it. But she says ‘now he’s with my grandpa. Now they’re both together,'" referring to her and Baraquiel’s father, who was tragically murdered in Mexico last year.
Baraquiel Castelan’s wrongful imprisonment devastated his family
The wrongful 27-month imprisonment of Baraquiel had a profound impact on both him and his family, causing immense devastation.
The family has faced numerous recent tragedies, including Baraquiel's unjust incarceration at Rikers Island.
Olivia, his sister, expressed the emotional toll, stating, "When he was in Rikers, we felt like we were in there with him. He had PTSD, and mentally, it took a toll on him. That was really hard on us. You are out of your daughter's life, you’re paying for something you didn’t do."
After his exoneration and release, Baraquiel was in the process of rebuilding his life. Olivia remarked, "He turned his life around after that. He took care of his daughters, he was a great dad."
The family still has a pending legal case against the NYPD that Baraquiel filed in 2018, which they "plan to pursue" even after his tragic death.
On the night of her brother’s killing, Olivia was disheartened to witness El Chicanito operating as usual. She expressed her desire for the establishment to be closed down, saying, "I want them to shut that place down. Someone was murdered there. Killed there."
She added, "That same night I went over there and they were open. They get to move on but our lives stop? Our life is on pause? They just to get to move on, party, to continue their business but we have to make plans to bury my brother."
Authorities are seeking information from the public and have shared images of a potential suspect in the assault, but as of Monday, no arrests have been reported. A phone number listed for El Chicanito on Monday afternoon went unanswered.
