BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER IN SHOOTINGS AT SPORTSBAR FOLLOWING AN ARGUMENT OVER DEFENDANT’S USE OF A BATHROOM

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a grand jury has indicted a 47-year-old man for murder and other offenses in the shootings of two patrons at a sports bar in the Norwood section of the Bronx.

The grand jury indicted Luis Paulino, of 165 East 179th Street, on one count of Murder in the 2nd degree, one count of Manslaughter in the 1st degree, one count of Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree, one count of Assault in the 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree. Paulino is facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment if convicted of the most serious charge, Murder in the 2nd degree.

Paulino is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Thursday, April 24, 2008 in State Supreme Court, Part A.

The fatal shooting occurred on March 24, 2008 at the Oasis Bar at 3441 Jerome Avenue. Manuel Saico, 25, was killed and Miguel Juan Ortega, 42, was critically wounded when Paulino allegedly opened fire on the victims who had attempted to act as peacemakers when Paulino became involved in an argument with two other patrons. The heated arguement concerned Paulino’s use of the bathroom. He accused the two men of disrespecting him by banging on the door while complaining that he was taking too long. It is alleged that Paulino left the bar, drove to his home and returned about half an hour later with a semi-automatic revolver, although the men with whom he had argued were no longer on the premises. When Saico and Ortega attempted to disarm Paulino they each were shot multiple times. Saico died at the scene while Ortega was taken to a hospital where he remains in critical condition. Paulino fled and was later arrested at his home. Detectives recovered at least six ounces of cocaine from the defendant’s car.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Bruce Birns.