‘Sopranos’ actor cleared in slaying
“The Sopranos” actor Lillo Brancato Jr. was cleared in the killing of a police officer Monday.
Brancato was instead convicted of a lesser charge of attempted burglary and faces three to 15 years in prison. The former actor could get credit for time served because he has been behind bars for nearly three years during the trial process.
The results were met with criticism by the slain officers’s sister.
“What message is this sending out to the New York City police officers today? It’s wrong,” said Yolanda Rosa Nazario, sister of the victim.
Prosecutors said Brancato, 32, and accomplice Steven Armento broke into a basement apartment to steal prescription drugs after a night of drinking at a strip club in December 2005. Officer Daniel Enchautegui, 28, who lived next door and was off duty, came over to investigate.
Armento shot Enchautegui with his .357 Magnum, hitting him in the heart. The dying officer fired back and wounded both Armento and Brancato.
Brancato admits to problems with drugs and alcohol, said he was unaware Armento, 48, was carrying a weapon. He also argued he did not directly take part in the killing and was not armed.
Armento was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Brancato left the courtroom in handcuffs. His sentencing is Jan. 9, and District Attorney Robert T. Johnson said he would seek “the maximum sentence that the law allows.”
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