'Sopranos' Actor Trial Opens In The Bronx

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'Sopranos' Actor Trial Opens In The Bronx

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Nov 25, 2008 6:25 am US/Eastern

'Sopranos' Actor Trial Opens In The Bronx

Prosecutor Says Lillo Brancato Is As Guilty As The Now-Convicted Triggerman; Defense Attorney Disagrees

Reporting
John Slattery

NEW YORK (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 2: Lillo Brancato Jr., 32, who appeared in the 1993 movie "A Bronx Tale" with Robert De Niro as well as in "The Sopranos," is facing second-degree murder charges.
AP
Click to enlarge 2 of 2: A moving memorial was held for Officer Daniel Enchautegui following his murder in December of 2005.
CBS

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Internet Movie Database: Lillo Brancato Jr.

In the Bronx, an actor who appeared in crime films is now on trial -- charged in the real life murder of an off-duty police officer.

CBS 2 HD was in the courtroom Monday as the trial of Lillo Brancato got underway.

Brancato's mother and father watched him go from rags to riches to trial. Brancato, who had appeared on the Sopranos, and in the movie, "A Bronx Tale," is charged with the 2005 murder of Daniel Enchautegui, a 24-year-old off-duty police officer who lived next door to a man who supplied Brancato with drugs, according to Brancato's lawyer. In opening statements, the lawyer said Brancato never intended a burglary, and was unarmed.

"He didn't have a gun, never alleged to have a gun, never committed a crime of violence, got shot," Joseph Tacopina.

It's charged Brancato and 51-year-old Steven Armento broke into an apartment in 2005, looking for prescription drugs.

Armento was convicted as the triggerman, but the prosecutor said Brancato is just as guilty.

"There is only one verdict in this case. Lillo Brancato acted with Steven Armento in order to get drugs to satisfy their own desires and take the life of a New York City police officer," Assistant District Attorney Teresa Gottlieb said.

The actor's attorney said Brancato never intended to break in, thinking he had long-standing access to the place. The very vocal police union doesn't buy it.

"Because you're a junkie and think you have a problem does not give you the right to take the life of a New York City police officer," Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

The crux of the case: the prosecutor said Brancato and Armento acted "in concert" in the burglary and killing. Brancato's lawyer said Armento acted alone.

Armento was convicted of first-degree murder on Oct. 30 and has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.