Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Sopranos Actor Beats Murder Rap

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 6:47 PM CST

(Newser) – Ex-Sopranos actor Lillo Brancato beat a cop-killing rap in New York today but faces up to 15 years for attempted burglary, the New York Daily News reports. A jury decided that Brancato, 32, did try to break into a friend's apartment in a hunt for drugs, but bore no guilt for his accomplice gunning down a police officer at the scene.

Police groups were outraged by the jury's decision. "The only good thing is that this skunk is not walking out to spend Christmas with his family," a police rep said. A stunned Brancato shut his eyes and said nothing when the verdict was delivered; his mother started weeping. "The worst is behind Mr. Brancato," his lawyer said. "He's very relieved."

Actor Lillo Brancato, Jr. is shown in this Feb. 2005, file photo in New York.
Actor Lillo Brancato, Jr. is shown in this Feb. 2005, file photo in New York.   (AP Photo/David Greene, file)
In this file photo provided by the New York City police department, Officer Daniel Enchautegui, 28, is shown in an undated photograph.
In this file photo provided by the New York City police department, Officer Daniel Enchautegui, 28, is shown in an undated photograph.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 1:59 AM CST
Best of wishes to the slain police officers family
Guest
Dec 22, 2008 8:40 PM CST
Sad drugs kill a young career. Thoughts and prayers to the cops family and Steven Armento should pay for it.

More Newser Stories

Anthony Juror: Our Verdict Made Us Sick

Two Minutemen Leaders Held in Ariz. Slayings

No Verdict on First Day of 'Rockefeller' Deliberations

Fritzl Gets Life Sentence

Psychic Vicar Killed Wife in a 'Rage'


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne