YONKERS MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE IN
THE SHOOTING DEATH OF AN OFF DUTY NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICER
DURING A BURGLARY
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 51-year-old Yonkers man has been convicted of murder in the shooting death of off duty New York City Police Officer Daniel Enchautegui in December 2005.
Steven Armento, of 6 Smart Avenue, Yonkers, was found guilty on one count of Murder in the 1st degree after less than six hours of deliberations. The jury found that Armento had “acted with intent to cause the death” of Enchautegui by shooting and killing him during the course of or in furtherance of committing or attempting to commit the crime of burglary. Armento was acquitted of causing the death of a police officer acting in the course of performing official duties.
State Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus set sentencing for Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Part T-13. Armento is facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
District Attorney Johnson said: “Although this guilty verdict serves the interest of justice, it can never compensate the family of the deceased for the tragic loss of their loved one’s life. We owe Officer Enchautegui’s family our gratitude for his years of service with honor on behalf of all Bronx citizens.” Officer Enchautegui was assigned to the 40th Precinct in the Bronx.
Officer Enchautegui was shot and killed shortly before dawn on Saturday, December 10, 2005 while investigating a burglary at the home of a neighbor on Arnow Place in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx.
A second defendant, Lillo Brancato, 32, is still awaiting trial on charges of Murder in the 2nd degree and other offenses.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Theresa Gottlieb and Assistant District Attorney April Cohen of the Trial Division.
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