Ex-Actor Acquitted of Officer's Murder (Bronx Tale actor)

[alcibiades_mystery]

Source: NY Times

A former actor who fell from stardom, tumbling from early success in Hollywood into desperate drug abuse, was acquitted of felony murder on Monday afternoon in the 2005 shooting death of an off-duty police officer in the Bronx.

The actor, Lillo Brancato Jr., was also acquitted on two burglary charges. In a blow to prosecutors, he was convicted only on a single attempted burglary charge.

His hands clasped as if in prayer, Mr. Brancato expressed little emotion as the verdict was read. Theresa A. Gottlieb, a Bronx assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case, said Mr. Brancato could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison on the attempted burglary conviction. The sentencing was set for Jan. 9.

Patrick J. Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, which represents New York City police officers, said after the verdict, “We’re obviously frustrated today that the jury did not see what was plain and simple.” He urged the judge to sentence Mr. Brancato to the maximum 15 years.

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Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/nyregion/23bronx.html

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Big news in NYC.

[stray cat]

1. I hope he takes advantage of the break and turns his life around

[blueknight]

2. he should have got life

i followed this case closely in the nydn. no way this guy was innocent, IMHO.

[MADem]

3. What didn't fit, thus making them acquit?

Wasn't he a small time actor on the SOPRANOS? Played Matt Belvilacqua?

[MrSlayer]

4. Pah! This idiot should be facing the hangman for killing a cop.

I remember this story, the result is a travesty.