Prosecutors say Queens suspect killed half brother during bar rampage
QUEENS, NY — A Queens man accused of opening fire inside a crowded Hollis sports bar and killing his half-brother while wounding the bar manager has been indicted on murder and weapons charges, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said 21-year-old Paublo Torres of Jamaica was arraigned on charges including second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, assault, menacing and reckless endangerment.
Torres, who is also known as Pablo Nunez and Pablo Torres, was remanded following the indictment and is scheduled to return to court June 26.
If convicted, prosecutors said he faces more than 25 years to life in prison.
According to investigators, the deadly shooting happened Feb. 21 at about 1:39 a.m. inside El Catracho bar on Jamaica Avenue in Hollis.
Authorities said Torres and 34-year-old Denis Enrique Reyes-Nunez, identified as his half-brother, were inside the crowded sports bar when a fight broke out.
Reyes-Nunez was removed from the business by a bouncer during the altercation, prosecutors said.
When Reyes-Nunez attempted to get back inside, Torres allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired toward the doorway while the bar manager was attempting to keep the door shut.
The manager suffered a graze wound to the face from one of the bullets.
Prosecutors said Reyes-Nunez managed to re-enter the bar moments later before Torres allegedly fired again, striking him twice.
Authorities said Torres then pointed the gun at another man outside the business and threatened to kill him as well.
Reyes-Nunez was rushed to a hospital where he later died from gunshot wounds to the torso.
Police recovered live rounds of ammunition and a spent shell casing at the scene.
Torres surrendered to NYPD officers from the 103rd Precinct on March 26.
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Key Points
• Queens man indicted in deadly Hollis sports bar shooting
• Prosecutors say victim was defendant’s half-brother
• Bar manager also wounded during gunfire inside crowded business