Johnston man convicted for murder outside Providence nightclub

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Johnston man has been found guilty of a shooting murder that occurred outside of a Providence nightclub in 2021.

Miguel Lacourt, 38, was convicted of one count of second-degree murder among other charges on Jan. 17 for the murder of Mario Diaz.

The shooting incident occurred on Aug. 7, 2021 when the defendant and two friends were at Fuego Lounge in Providence.

After exiting the nightclub, the two men remained outside of the club, where they began an argument that resulted in a fight.

After the altercation was broken up, Lacourt, who had been kicked and punched to the ground, left the scene and returned moments later with a gun and shot the victim.

Items recovered at the scene included a Cincinnati Reds hat, a Motorsport brand sneaker and a strand of hair, all of which were identified as belonging to Lacourt via surveillance footage.

A known buccal swab from Lacourt resulted in a match of DNA profiles extracted from the same items.

Surveillance footage was also used to identify Lacourt from several tattoos that matched previous booking photos.

“I commend the outstanding work conducted by Providence police and the attorney general’s office for bringing this defendant to justice,” said Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. “My heart goes out the family and friends of the victim and hope the outcome of this case gives them some semblance of peace.”

Lacourt is being held at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI) pending sentencing.

Lacourt was acquitted on the same counts for a second victim from the same incident, Kenwins Pimentel.

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