NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- More than 30 New York police officers gathered Wednesday at a Bronx courthouse as trial began for a man accused of fatally shooting an off-duty officer.
The trial of Steven Armento, 51, has attracted attention because of the charges and because his co-defendant is actor Lillo Brancato. Brancato, 36, best known for appearing in several episodes of "The Sopranos," is the ex-boyfriend of Armento's daughter and is to be tried separately.
Armento allegedly shot and killed Officer Daniel Enchautegui in 2005 after he caught the two men breaking into a neighbor's house.
In his opening statement, Armento's lawyer, Bill Flack, suggested that Enchautegui did not identify himself as an officer and opened fire, prompting Armento to shoot in self-defense, the New York Post reported.
"He's pissing on the grave of a New York City hero," Pat Lynch, head of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, said later.
Enchautegui's sister, Yolanda Rose, cried when more than 30 officers clapped as she appeared in a hallway in the courthouse.
