A New York policeman was shot dead yesterday as he tried to stop a former Sopranos actor and an accomplice from allegedly breaking into a house in a search for drugs. Lillo Brancato Jr 29, who played Matt Bevilacqua, a doomed small-time mobster in the 1999-2000 season of the mafia television drama, is the latest in a line of Sopranos stars to have had real-life and violent run-ins with the law. The police officer, Daniel Enchautegui, was shot in the chest allegedly by Mr Brancato’s accomplice, Steven Armento. But as he lay dying in his driveway he shot and seriously wounded both men. Mr Brancato, who got his acting break in the 1993 Robert De Niro film A Bronx Tale, was last night critically ill in hospital after being shot twice by Mr Enchautegui. Mr Armento was shot four times and was in a serious condition. In 2002, Robert Iler, who plays Tony Sopranos’s son AJ, pleaded guilty to taking part in a mugging. Richard “Richie Blue Eyes†Maldone, who played Albert Barese, a mafia boss, was arrested in 2003 and charged with buying drugs. Gossip Rocks!
It's very sad when someone loses their life for trying to do good. I don't care what happens to the other two, they deserve what they get.
Wow, I didn't realize they hired real criminals to act in that show. I guess it's more of a reality show than drama.
Very depressing. Several police officers have been shot and killed down here in Dallas/Fort Worth in the last few months. It is a depressing thing. The restraint other police officers show in such situations and when dealing with the people who do these things is really amazing. I know I probably don't have it in me to remain so restrained in a similar situation.
My prayers are with the officer's family. It's a horrible thing to lose someone so young. Many members of my family are/were police officers. It's difficult always thinking tonight could be the night they don't come home. As a teenager I decided I would not date a cop because I didn't want to ever marry one. I couldn't take it. Though, I admire them greatly for their bravery and appreciate the services they provide. I have family living in the neighborhood where this shooting occurred. The phones were ringing as soon as it was on the news.
I have a cousin working in the same line of business. I dont get it---but have 100% respect. He moved to Maine after 9-11---that was fun, no?