Director prunes Brancato's last film role

NEW YORK, March 26 (UPI) -- U.S. director Rob Greenberg said he trimmed footage featuring jailed actor Lillo Brancato from his upcoming film "Saturday Morning."

Brancato, 31, had just finished his role in the film when he was arrested in connection with the 2005 shooting death of off-duty New York Police Detective Daniel Enchautegui.

The shooting reportedly took place when the detective caught Brancato and an accomplice in an alleged attempted burglary.

Brancato has been charged with second-degree murder and is awaiting trial.

"My brother-in-law is on the force. I felt absolutely horrible when I heard about (the killing.) I just kept thinking about him, my sister, and especially my nephews," Greenberg told the New York Post.

Greenberg said he used creative editing and voice-overs to reduce Brancato's part to "a series of walk-ons."

The film, which co-stars George Wendt and Beth Ostrosky, is to premiere April 6 at the Garden State Film Festival.

Brancato previously co-starred in the movie "A Bronx Tale" and had a recurring role on the mob drama "The Sopranos.