Santa Maria Halloween stabbing victim speaks out after waking from coma

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Stabbing victim Bernie DeBoer, 65, wanted to share his story with the Santa Maria Community after waking up from his coma.

DeBoer is a disabled elderly man who has been abused by his neighbor’s son for the past five years. His last attack was on Halloween morning and nearly took his life.

DeBoer was attacked a second time in broad daylight by 43-year-old Frank Castillo III. He was walking towards the bank, less than a mile from his home, when a huge rock hit him in the face. Castillo then stabbed DeBoer in the neck and head. She screamed for help and called 911 before collapsing.

DeBoer was found by Santa Maria Police Officers and Firefighters. He was taken to Regional Medical Center. His family said he had serious injuries to his arteries and was at a comma. Two weeks later, DeBoer returned home to recuperate and felt the need to tell his story.

The first time Castillo physically beat DeBoer was in 2020 while he was on his way to the local Vons market. DeBoer was able to get a restraining order against him, but he didn’t know it expired this year.

DeBoer’s Family and Friends said they have many questions. They want to know why DeBoer fell out of favor. They said victim services did not contact her to inform her, and her abuser was again walking the streets of Santa Maria without any restrictions.

Loved ones said Castillo hung around DeBoer’s home last year and verbally taunted her before trying to kill her. Castillo was arrested by the Santa Maria Police Department on the afternoon of October 31 and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on one million dollar bail. He faces charges of elder abuse and attempted murder.