On January 7, 2025, Coffee County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a domestic dispute at the residence of Stephanie Castillo, 34, of Douglas. Upon arrival, officers noted that the situation had already de-escalated. Interviews were conducted with both Castillo and Dante Gifford, 43, also of Douglas.
The investigation revealed that both Castillo and Gifford had engaged in physical altercations as a result of an intense verbal dispute. This mutual aggression prompted law enforcement to gather statements and assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Moments before officers were on scene, Gifford allegedly had been struck in the head with a perfume bottle, while Castillo allegedly had been punched in the back of the head; at this time, it has not been determined who the initial aggressor was. Visible injuries were apparent on both parties, and the accounts provided by Castillo and Gifford corroborated one another.
Due to the mutual nature of the altercation and the inability to determine a clear predominant aggressor, officers concluded that it was necessary to charge both individuals with simple battery. In Georgia, individuals facing charges of simple battery under OCGA 16-5-23.1, classified as Family Violence, can be punished as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the accused’s criminal history. Both Castillo and Gifford remain in custody at the Coffee County Law Enforcement Center.