On a cold December morning in 2005, off-duty New York City Police Officer Daniel Enchautegui, a 28-year-old male, was tragically killed in the Bronx. Just after returning home from a late shift, Enchautegui heard the sound of breaking glass coming from his neighbor's residence on Arnow Place. He immediately called 911 to report a possible burglary in progress.
Displaying immense courage, Enchautegui grabbed his off-duty weapon and, with his police shield around his neck, went outside to
investigate while waiting for backup to arrive. He confronted two men emerging from the neighboring house, identifying himself as a police officer in both English and Spanish and ordering them not to move. A gunfight quickly erupted. One of the suspects, Steven Armento, fired a. 357 Magnum, striking Enchautegui in the chest. Despite the mortal wound that pierced his heart, the officer managed to return fire, wounding both suspects before he collapsed. Responding officers apprehended the two injured men as they attempted to flee the scene. Enchautegui was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The two men arrested were Steven Armento, 48, and actor Lillo Brancato Jr., 29, known for his roles in 'A Bronx Tale' and 'The Sopranos.' Investigators determined that the pair had been trying to break into the house to steal drugs after a night out. Both men were charged in connection with the officer's death.
In October 2008, Steven Armento was convicted of first-degree murder for firing the fatal shot. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Lillo Brancato's trial followed, where he faced a second-degree murder charge. In December 2008, a jury acquitted Brancato of murder but found him guilty of first-degree attempted burglary. In January 2009, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Brancato was released on parole in December 2013 after serving eight years of his sentence.
