News Summary
Tremere Robert Armani Mason, 26, has been convicted for assault after stabbing an individual during a nightclub confrontation in Costa Mesa. The incident, which escalated from a verbal dispute into a physical altercation, resulted in Mason’s conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. Two other men were also injured during the fight, but Mason was acquitted of charges linked to their injuries. He will be sentenced soon, raising concerns about nightlife violence and the complexities of self-defense claims.
Costa Mesa – A 26-year-old man, Tremere Robert Armani Mason, has been convicted of assault for stabbing another individual during a nightclub incident in Costa Mesa. The conviction stems from a violent altercation that began on August 2, 2022, shortly after 11:15 p.m., in the parking lot of The Triangle, located at 1870 Harbor Blvd.
Mason was found guilty of a single felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. Jurors, however, acquitted him of two additional charges related to the stabbing of two other individuals involved in the incident. Following the conviction, Mason is set to be sentenced on October 10, 2022.
The victim of the stabbing, identified as Kevin Catalan, was out enjoying drinks and dancing with friends at a nearby establishment, La Vida Cantina. Tensions escalated between Mason and Catalan on the nightclub’s patio, where Mason allegedly made a threatening remark regarding his origins from Long Beach and his experience with violence. Catalan took action by notifying security about the concerning behavior and attempted to de-escalate the situation before hostilities erupted on the dance floor.
A confrontation erupted when Mason and Catalan bumped into one another, leading to a physical struggle. According to testimony, Catalan did not seek a fight but merely wanted to resolve the dispute peacefully. As the altercation broadened, it was reported that Mason struck the first blow, triggering a larger fight that involved others present at the nightclub.
During the course of the fight, two additional men, identified as Marcus Blevins and Abraham Lee, sustained stab wounds; Blevins was injured in the right buttocks, while Lee suffered a stab wound to his right wrist. The Deputy District Attorney, Lance Cotton, contended that Mason escalated the situation by introducing a knife into what could have been a fistfight, suggesting that his actions were culpable for the injuries sustained by the other victims.
Conversely, Mason’s defense attorney, James Harrington, argued that his client’s actions were in self-defense, asserting that Mason was assaulted by multiple individuals before he retrieved the knife. Furthermore, the prosecution presented video evidence of the incident, which played a critical role during the trial as it provided a visual account of the events leading to the stabbing.
Catalan’s girlfriend transported him to the hospital following the incident, where he underwent surgery for his injuries but ultimately survived. The trial revealed substantial inconsistencies in witness testimonies regarding who instigated the fight and the actions of those involved. Harrington pointed out that there was insufficient seriousness in Mason’s initial threatening comment, claiming it was treated lightly by others.
This conviction highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding violence in nightlife settings, particularly involving weapons such as knives. The case underscores the complexities of self-defense claims in situations where multiple individuals engage in conflict. As Mason awaits sentencing, the events of that night remain a stark reminder of how quickly a night out can turn violent.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Jurors Begin Deliberating in Costa Mesa Stabbing Trial
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
- Q Voice News: Strut Orange County Nightclub in Costa Mesa is For Sale
- Google Search: Costa Mesa nightclub stabbing
- Los Angeles Times: Woman Gets Pretrial Diversion in Nightclub Stabbing in Costa Mesa
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa nightclub violence
- Los Angeles Times: Man and Woman Arrested After 3 Men Stabbed in Costa Mesa Knife Fight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Suspect Turns Himself in After Repeatedly Stabbing Man in the Head at a Costa Mesa Business
- Google News: Costa Mesa crime
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
