Johnston man sentenced to life for 2021 nightclub murder

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A Johnston man was sentenced to life in prison for a shooting murder outside of a Providence nightclub in 2021.

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that 39-year-old Miguel Lacourt was sentenced Monday to 60 years in prison, with a consecutive life sentence at the ACI.

Lacourt was convicted on Jan. 17 of killing 27-year-old Mario Diaz outside of Fuego Lounge on West Friendship Street in Providence.

The shooting occurred on Aug. 7, 2021, resulting from a fight in which Lacourt was knocked to the ground.

Officials said Lacourt left the scene and returned with a gun soon after, shooting the victim.

Detectives used video surveillance footage and DNA testing of on-scene evidence to tie Lacourt to the shooting, proving beyond a reasonable doubt that he shot and killed Diaz, according to Neronha.

Lacourt was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder, one count of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.

“Mario Diaz is one of many victims that would still be alive if not for the availability of firearms to those ready and willing to use them for violence,” Neronha said in a statement. “We must continue to fight for commonsense gun laws and enforcement to avoid such tragedies.”