Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Rafael Miranda, 31, of Newark was arrested for the murder of Bernardo Bermudez, 34, of Dade County, Florida. Bermudez was fatally shot on April 11, 2010 outside a Newark sports bar after he and Miranda allegedly got into a dispute. Miranda was also charged with weapons offenses.
At the time of the shooting, Miranda was wanted by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. On Dec. 13, 2009, he escaped from Kintock House North, a privately run facility in Newark he had been transferred to prior to being released into the community.
Miranda was arrested last night at a private residence in Passaic. Bail was set at $ 1 million by the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, JSC.
Prosecutor Laurino commended officers from the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigation Division, Fugitive Unit; the U.S. Marshals; the Newark Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Team; and Det. Marquise Carter of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their work in bringing the suspect in so quickly.
Not withstanding the charges, every defendant is presumed innocent unless he pleads guilty or is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
