Former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías has been charged with five misdemeanors in connection with a domestic violence incident that occurred last September. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office confirmed on Tuesday that Urías is facing one count of spousal battery, two counts of domestic battery involving a dating relationship, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault.
The incident took place outside BMO Stadium following an LAFC game on September 3, 2020. A person alerted the police about a physical altercation between Urías and his wife, Daisy. Exposition Park police officers arrived at the scene and determined that a physical altercation had indeed occurred. Urías was subsequently taken into custody and released the following morning after posting $50,000 bail.
Urías, who was expected to enter free agency soon, spent the remainder of the 2020 season on administrative leave before his contract expired in November. Despite being a talented pitcher, he was not signed by any team during the offseason.
This is not the first time Urías has faced allegations of domestic violence. In 2019, he was suspended for 20 games by Major League Baseball (MLB) after being arrested, although not charged, on suspicion of domestic violence. If found guilty this time, Urías could face further discipline from MLB, which is currently investigating the matter.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office declined to charge Urías with a felony in January, citing the severity of the injuries and his criminal history. The case was subsequently passed to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, which filed the charges with the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday.
An arraignment for Urías is scheduled for May 2. It is worth noting that he has not yet been interviewed by MLB investigators, as players are typically advised to wait until the legal process has concluded.
The investigation into the incident was completed by officers from the California Department of Public Safety in December. Cellphone footage captured by a bystander was included as part of the evidence.
MLB has stated that its investigation is ongoing and declined to comment further on the matter.
