By CaraLynn Caulfield
A Bellport man has been indicted on second-degree murder charges for fatally attacking a 45-year-old East Patchogue resident with a crowbar—reportedly in the presence of the victim’s young daughter.
On May 18, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Carlos Bonaparte was standing outside his home with his young daughter when his girlfriend arrived, accompanied by her two cousins. A verbal dispute broke out between Bonaparte and one of the cousins, who then called 46-year-old Darrell Trent to the scene.
About five minutes later, Trent arrived, exited his vehicle carrying what appeared to be a crowbar, and allegedly struck Bonaparte in the head. The claw end of the tool reportedly penetrated Bonaparte’s skull and extended about an inch into his brain. Multiple witnesses, including Bonaparte’s daughter, were present during the assault.
Bonaparte was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Trent allegedly fled the state but was apprehended five days later, on May 23, in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
On June 9, at his arraignment before Acting County Court Justice James McDonaugh, Trent was ordered held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 2.
“Such acts of violence have no place in our community,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. “We will do everything in our power to hold the defendant accountable and ensure he faces the full force of the law. The victim and his family deserve nothing less.”