A jury found a Bronx man guilty of shooting two men following a dispute at a Port Jefferson pool hall two years ago.
On December 28, 2022, Alexander Castillo played pool for several hours at a pool hall in Port Jefferson. Over the course of the evening, Castillo placed wagers on each game which resulted in mounting financial losses. At approximately 7:05 p.m., Castillo left the pool hall and returned approximately three minutes later wearing a ski mask and hat, and carrying a loaded firearm. Castillo attempted to take back his losses from his opponent by displaying the loaded firearm and demanding the money.
A struggle ensued in which Castillo’s opponent and another male tried to wrestle the gun away from Castillo. When the struggle spilled out onto the street, Castillo shot one man in the groin area and shot a second man in the chest.
Castillo fled the scene before the police arrived. Both victims were taken to local hospitals and received emergency medical treatment for their injuries.
On February 10, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrested Castillo in Manhattan.
On August 23, 2024, Castillo was found guilty of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro:
- two counts of first-degree criminal use of a firearm, both Class B violent felonies
- two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both Class C violent felonies
- one count of second-degree criminal use of a firearm, a Class C violent felony
- four counts of second-degree assault, all Class D violent felonies
- one count of second-degree attempted robbery, a Class D violent felony
- one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class D felony
- one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor
“Violent crime such as the double shooting committed by the defendant here has a devastating impact on our community and cannot be tolerated,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “I commend the Suffolk County Police Department for their diligent work in tracking down and bringing this defendant to justice, which was achieved with today’s verdict thanks to the jury’s thorough review of the evidence.”
Castillo is due back in court for sentencing on October 3, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison.