Shooter Who Killed Stranger Near Barclays Center Gets Jail Time: DA

BROOKLYN, NY — A man who killed a 47-year-old stranger near the Barclays Center in 2017 was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Matthew Passaro, 53, was handed a 25-years-to-life sentence during a hearing this week, following his conviction for second-degree murder less than a month ago.

"Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for this incredibly callous shooting of an innocent man," said Eric Gonzalez, who is Brooklyn's district attorney, in a statement.

The charges stem from the September 2017 shooting of Stephen Vargas, 47, of Staten Island, near Atlantic and Fourth avenues, prosecutors said. On Sept. 20, Passaro was walking along Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill when he approached Vargas, a stranger, and began yelling at him near 578 Atlantic Ave., authorities said.

Passaro then went around the corner, changed his clothes, and returned to where Vargas was standing, firing multiple times at around 8:20 p.m., prosecutors said. Evidence showed that he shot seven times, hitting Vargas six times in the spine, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart, killing him instantly.

After the shooting, Passaro went on the run and evaded authorities for months before being arrested on Nov. 1 at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He was carrying a loaded .45-caliber pistol, which was later confirmed to be the weapon used to shoot Vargas, prosecutors said.

"Steven Vargas was a beloved brother and uncle who was violently and senselessly taken from his family and friends," Gonzalez added. "And while gun violence is currently at record lows in Brooklyn thanks to the dedicated focus of law enforcement, my thoughts are with Mr. Vargas’ loved ones today as they continue to deal with this profound loss."

Following his arrest, Passaro admitted to police that he had killed Vargas, according to trial testimony.