Accident – death – Obituary News :

Johnston Man Found Guilty of Murder in Providence Nightclub Shooting

In a landmark ruling, a Providence County Superior Court jury has found Miguel Lacourt, a 38-year-old man from Johnston, guilty of the murder of Mario Diaz of Boston. The fatal shooting took place outside a Providence nightclub in 2021.

The Verdict

Following a seven-day jury trial before Superior Court Justice Robert Krause, Lacourt was convicted of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death, and carrying a pistol without a license. However, Lacourt was acquitted on the same counts for a second victim, Kenwins Pimentel, who was also involved in the incident.

Lacourt is currently being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions, awaiting a sentencing hearing to be scheduled at a later date.

Response from Attorney General Neronha

Attorney General Peter Neronha expressed his concerns about the prevalence of gun violence and the need for stricter gun laws. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to prevent such incidents and provide justice for victims. Neronha also thanked the Providence Police for their dedication to pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes.

Neronha stated, “These days, lives are lost to gun violence so often that it’s difficult not to become numb to such tragedy. While that response is understandable, we must continue to fight for commonsense gun laws and enforcement and avoid complacency. This victim, and countless others, would still be alive if not for the availability of firearms to those ready and willing to use them for violence. I hope this verdict provides some measure of peace for the victim’s family. And thank you to the Providence Police for their consistent commitment to seeking justice for the victims of violent crime.”

Details of the Incident

The trial revealed that Lacourt shot and killed Mario Diaz following a dispute at a Providence lounge. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of August 7, 2021, at Fuego Lounge on West Friendship Street.

Video surveillance from inside the lounge provided crucial evidence, showing Lacourt with distinct features such as long dreadlocks, two tattoos, a red Cincinnati Reds hat, and Motorsport sneakers. After leaving the nightclub, Lacourt and another individual engaged in a physical altercation. Lacourt attempted to intervene but was overpowered and assaulted. He eventually managed to break free and walked away towards Elmwood Avenue.

About 90 seconds later, Lacourt returned to the scene with a gun and shot Mario Diaz.

Forensic Evidence

Investigators recovered several items from the crime scene, including a strand of hair, a Cincinnati Reds hat, and a Motorsport brand sneaker. These items were identified as belonging to Lacourt through video surveillance footage. The items, along with a known buccal swab from Lacourt, were sent to the Forensic Biology Lab at the Rhode Island Department of Health. The DNA profiles extracted from all four items matched Lacourt’s DNA profile.

Additionally, investigators compared still frames from the video surveillance footage of Lacourt’s tattoos to booking photos from a prior arrest, confirming his identity.

Reaction from Providence Police

Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. commended the outstanding work conducted by the Providence Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office in bringing the defendant to justice. He extended his sympathies to the victim’s family and friends, hoping that the outcome of the case would provide them with some semblance of peace.

Assistant Attorney General Scott Erickson and Special Assistant Attorney General Ariel Pittner, along with Detective Mitchell Guerra of the Providence Police Department, led the investigation and prosecution of the case.

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