In the early morning hours of August 7, 2021, a night that began as a birthday celebration with friends in Providence, Rhode Island, ended in tragedy for Mario Diaz, a 27-year-old Hispanic male. Diaz and his friends were at the Fuego Lounge on West Friendship Street when an argument erupted with another group of individuals shortly after 2 a.m. The dispute spilled outside the nightclub and quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
During the brawl, a man later identified as Miguel
Lacourt of Johnston, Rhode Island, was kicked and knocked to the ground. After freeing himself from the fight, Lacourt walked away from the scene, heading towards Elmwood Avenue. However, he returned approximately 90 seconds later, now armed with a gun. Lacourt opened fire, fatally shooting Mario Diaz and also killing 29-year-old Kerwins Pimental. Diaz died at the scene from his injuries.
The Providence Police launched an investigation, utilizing video surveillance footage from the lounge which captured images of the suspect, including his long dreadlocks, distinct tattoos, a red Cincinnati Reds hat, and Motorsport sneakers. Investigators recovered several key pieces of evidence from the crime scene: the Cincinnati Reds hat, a sneaker, and a strand of hair. DNA from these items was sent to the Rhode Island Department of Health's forensic lab and was a match to a sample from Miguel Lacourt. Lacourt was arrested on August 18, 2021, during a car stop.
Following a seven-day trial, a jury found Miguel Lacourt guilty on January 17, 2024, of one count of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death, and carrying a pistol without a license for the death of Mario Diaz. On April 22, 2024, Lacourt, then 39, was sentenced for his crimes. A Superior Court Justice sentenced him to 60 years in prison, followed by a consecutive life sentence to be served at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
