WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Providence man accused of fatally beating a car dealer with a two-by-four board during a fight has pleaded not guilty to murder and felony assault.
WPRI-TV reports 48-year-old Daniel Lastarza was arraigned in Superior Court Wednesday. His lawyer entered the plea.
Lastarza was indicted by a Providence County grand jury in the July death of Jonathan Stack outside The $3 Bar on Atwells Avenue.
Police say the two argued over a car, and the fight moved from the bar into a parking lot where others joined in. Lastarza was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon over allegations he also hit a second man with a board.
His lawyer has said Lastarza was trying to protect a friend.
Lastarza was held without bail. The bar lost its license.
