A tourist in Florida is facing serious charges after allegedly killing a bystander with a fire extinguisher during his eviction from a hotel.
On January 10, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference revealing the arrest of Piero Estefano But-Castillo, a 25-year-old man, at a Quality Inn in Kissimmee, located about 20 miles south of Orlando. This came after a 911 call was made regarding a person being violently attacked.
Sheriff Marcos Lopez stated that deputies responded to the call around 4 p.m. on January 8 and found But-Castillo physically assaulting Robert Krusinowski, a 55-year-old man. Court documents indicate that But-Castillo’s hands were bloodied and that he attempted to resist arrest by gripping onto a nearby railing as officers tried to pull him away.
According to the sheriff, But-Castillo became angry after being asked to leave the hotel. Krusinowski, who was trying to help calm the situation, was unarmed and simply acting as a peacemaker. “However, our suspect turned on him and brutally attacked him with a fire extinguisher,” Lopez explained.
Documents also report that But-Castillo caused damage to hotel property, including breaking a window of an occupied room. Witnesses noted that as he assaulted Krusinowski, he even paused to climb through the broken window before continuing his attack.
Krusinowski, a long-term guest at the hotel who often assisted staff with maintenance, suffered severe head injuries. Despite first aid treatment from fire personnel, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Sheriff Lopez assured the public that such violent acts would be met with strict consequences. He also revealed that But-Castillo entered the United States as a student from Chile in 2019 and returned on January 1, 2024, on a tourist visa. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities collaborating with the Chilean government.
But-Castillo is currently held in Osceola County Jail without bond, facing charges including first-degree murder and battery. He was also placed under an immigration hold.
Lopez concluded the press conference by advising the public to avoid intervening in potentially dangerous situations, emphasizing that it’s safer to contact law enforcement instead. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with, and it could cost you your life,” he cautioned.
