BRONX MAN CONVICTED IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A MAN BREAKING INTO HIS CAR IS SENTENCED

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that 54 year-old Victor Vicenty, of 1715 Lacombe Avenue, convicted earlier this month of Manslaughter in the shooting death of a Kevin Bethea, 43, has been sentenced to a term of up to 9 years imprisonment.

The fatal shooting occurred during the early morning hours of May 7, 2001, when Vicenty observed Bethea rummaging through his car. Vicenty came downstairs and confronted Bethea, firing a .22 caliber rifle, six times, striking the victim five times.

Before rendering his decision State Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus, said: "I cannot send out the message to the community that this is acceptable behavior. Indeed the message I must send out must be the opposite". Judge Marcus then sentenced Vicenty to a term of up to 3 to 9 years imprisonment. Vicenty must serve a minimum of 3 years imprisonment before becoming eligible for parole.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Barbara Chavez of the Major Case / Housing Task Force.