Thursday, 4:30 PM
Suspect in fatal barroom stabbing in South Boston pleads not guilty
(George Rizer/Globe Staff)
Bernard Piscopo, 38, pleaded not guilt to a murder charge today in South Boston Municipal Court.
By Claire Cummings, Globe Correspondent
When a prosecutor today described the eight stab wounds that killed Adam Rich, a woman inside the crowded South Boston courtroom put her head to her knees and began to audibly sob.
Bernard Piscopo, the man accused of killing Rich Sunday night during a barroom fight, said little during his arraignment on a murder charge in South Boston Municipal Court. A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of the 38-year-old Dorchester resident.
Assistant District Attorney Holly Broadbent told the court that Piscopo plunged a knife into Rich eight times during the fight at The 6 House in South Boston. The blade of the knife pierced Rich’s chest and killed him, Broadbent said.
Piscopo’s attorney, Robert George, described his client as a family man who has multiple sclerosis. He said Piscopo has served several years in the Army, and has no criminal history.
"This man had nothing to do with the death of Mr. Rich," George told the judge. "This is a person who could not commit the crime as it’s alleged."
Piscopo was ordered held without bail, pending a probable cause hearing on July 18.
Police issued a warrant for Piscopo’s arrest Tuesday, and he surrendered last night. "We’re just glad that they got him so quickly and that he’s held without bail," said John Rich, the victim’s uncle, outside court. "We think that’s warranted."
