Juan Uribe vs. Fernando Rodrigues a.k.a. “El Gato”
Case Number: 12007014 (14)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Donna Antonelli
MARCH 22, 2012 561-368-3363
Boca Raton, Florida - On March 13, 2012, the Shiner Law Group, P.A. filed a three (3) count complaint initiating a lawsuit on behalf of their client Juan Uribe. The Shiner Law Group, P.A. was recently retained by Uribe to represent him in a civil lawsuit against the inter-nationally known Mixed Martial Arts fighter and businessman – Fernando Rodrigues, who fights professionally under the name “El-Gato.” Rodrigues, who is a 2 term Iraq war veteran, violently assaulted and battered Uribe on March 5, 2012, during what has been labeled as a “Road Rage” incident. Few experts have already opined that Rodrigues may attempt to use post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) and his exposure to violence in the Iraq war as a factor in this “Road Rage” incident and as a defense in both the criminal and civil cases.
Uribe retained the services of the Shiner Law Group, P.A. because of their well known ability to handle cases that have been deemed “high-profile” with extensive news media coverage. The Shiner Law Group, P.A. has been involved in several matters involving the pursuit of civil justice on behalf of their clients, including the well profiled mother-and-daughter abduction and murder case involving Nancy and Joey Bochicchio (Palm Beach County Case: 50 2008 CA 462 MB (AO)) which took place in the affluent community of Boca Raton, at the exclusive mall known as the Town Center of Boca Raton.
The lawsuit filed by the Shiner Law Group, P.A. on behalf of their client, Uribe, against Rodrigues is based on three counts which include, assault, battery, and intentional inflection of emotional distress. A copy of the lawsuit filed this March 2012 is attached to this Press Release.
The incident at the center of Uribe’s civil lawsuit involves Rodrigues, who violently, attacked Uribe on March 5, 2012. In what has been described as a thoughtlessness act of “Road-Rage,” Uribe and his employer, Michael Cassavella, were driving from a job when Mr. Rodrigues – from his vehicle and without provocation – threatened both Uribe and Cassavella with a gun; this occurred while both vehicles were traveling in the peaceful and family-oriented city of Coral Springs, Florida. Rodrigues, who was in the vehicle immediately behind Cassavella’s car, became violent when Cassavella failed to proceed “quick enough” when the light turned green. In an attempt to avoid the situation, Cassavella pulled over to call the police. However, unbeknownst to both Uribe and Cassavella, Rodrigues pulled over behind them and charged the driver’s side of Cassavella’s vehicle; Rodrigues then began to “pistol-whip” Cassavella.
During the altercation between Rodrigues and Cassavella, Uribe exited the passenger’s side of the vehicle and attempted to seek help; however, without warning, Rodrigues turned his aggression and attention from Cassavella and chased down Uribe. Unfortunately, Uribe received the worst of Rodrigues’ assaults. Rodrigues hit Uribe in the face with his gun – fracturing his orbital bone structure – then kneed Uribe in the face. Uribe fell to the ground while Rodrigues continued to physically and verbally attack him. Fortunately, the police showed up just in time to arrest Rodrigues – preventing a potential fatality.
The Shiner Law Group, P.A. filed a civil suit within days of being retained by Uribe, who is adamant about pursuing this case against Rodrigues. In a statement by one of Uribe’s lawyers – Mr. David Shiner said “[a]lthough we empathize with Mr. Rodrigues’ alleged PSTD defense, it is important that he be held accountable for his actions. Mr. Rodrigues’ unprovoked violence caused serious and permanent harm to two innocent people and their families. Unfortunately, Mr. Rodrigues will need to deal with the consequences of his actions – as will my client, Uribe – for the rest of his life.”
If you wish for more information on the matter, or the other matters Shiner Law Group, P.A. is involved in, please contact Donna Antonelli directly at 561-368-3363 or via email at info@ShinerLawGroup.com.
Very truly yours,
Donna Antonelli
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