A Bronx man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for shooting two men at a Port Jefferson pool hall.
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 where 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 convicted after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for the following charges:
- 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
On October 3, 2024, Ambro sentenced Castillo to 18 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
“With this sentence, we want the public to know that we are holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The defendant attempted to settle a petty financial dispute with a gun but instead will be spending the next 18 years in prison.”