PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Johnston man convicted in connection with a deadly shooting outside of a Providence lounge nearly three years ago will spend the rest of his life behind bars, according to R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Miguel Lacourt, 39, was found guilty earlier this year of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death and carrying a pistol without a license.

Neronha said Lacourt shot 27-year-old Mario Diaz to death following an argument outside Fuego Lounge in August 2021. He was also accused of shooting and killing 29-year-old Kerwins Pimental that same night, but was acquitted.

Lacourt was taken to the ground and beaten during the fight, but escaped long enough to grab a gun from a car parked nearby, according to Neronha.

Neronha said investigators connected Lacourt to the deadly shooting through DNA evidence and surveillance footage from inside the lounge. He was arrested during a traffic stop in Johnston a week later.

“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. “We must continue to fight for commonsense gun laws and enforcement to avoid such tragedies. I hope this sentencing provides some closure for the victim’s family.”

Lacourt was sentenced to 60 years in prison, plus a consecutive life sentence at the ACI.

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